Anxiety

These are difficult economic times for many. But if so-inclined, even the best-of-times can cause worry.

A few years ago my principal business enterprise was dealing with several past-due receivables equal to roughly twenty-percent of annual revenue. Many receivables exceeded over 120 days past due. The coincidence of several clients being delinquent at the same time was difficult.

For a number of reasons there was substantial confidence that payment would eventually be made in full. Our bankers were understanding and helpful. Now, years later, I can tell you all the payments were received. But, at the time, it was easy to worry.

Jesus teaches, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they. And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? ...your heavenly Father knows you need (all these things). But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6: 25-33)

Our business intelligence system predicted the late payments about 30 to 60 days in advance. Vigilance is helpful. Our regular lines-of-credit and reserves were sufficient to fully cover about 90 days of late payments. Preparation is prudent. We reduced expenses and our Controller and client relationship managers were proactive in facilitating payment. Action is appropriate. We kept our subcontractors informed of how cash-flow might impact payments to them. Concern for others is just. We reviewed how we had contributed to the problem. Self-critique will help avoid repeating the problem.

Anxiety seems unavoidable, but it doesn’t contribute anything helpful and actually distracts from more truly productive work.

Simultaneous with the receivables problem I was shepherding the biggest new business contract this particular firm had seen. I was also engaged in cultivating another very promising new business prospect that seemed to be a few weeks from a major commitment.

Instead of worrying, Jesus says I should seek first the fundamental nature of God and how that nature is expressed in society. I should be giving priority to what is real and sustainable. I should not waste my time and disperse my energy in being anxious over what I cannot control.

Moreover Jesus teaches that if I will focus on the fundamental realities of righteousness and justice, what I truly need will also be provided.

Jesus is saying – as Michael Porter teaches and Peter Drucker advises and dozens of other strategists counsel – that investing in what you perceive will advance your long-term competitive advantage is always the best guarantee, where there are no guarantees. Be ready to adjust to meaningful feedback, be vigilant, be prepared, take action, but don’t worry.

The past due payments will not always be received. The new business will not always be closed. Tough times will come. But an active investment in a long-term, sustainable, and differentiated strategy is the best means to provide the foundation necessary to pull the enterprise through the tough times.