Why do People Avoid Looking at the Numbers?
What is it that makes business owners avoid looking at the numbers? I’ve been pondering this question for some time, because, to me, it is a choice. It may be a choice by default, but it is still a choice you make.
There are some business owners who have made an effort to understand the core financial concepts. Yet there are others who shy away from any mention of the numbers.
Some time ago, I remember the head of a woman’s group putting up a post on social media, asking about why is it that women don’t talk about finances and money.Â
The funny thing was, no one responded! Well, it’s not funny, really. But I did think it was interesting that even the question about why was met with stony silence.
So why is it?
My theories on why you may avoid looking at the numbers are:
1. MATHS WAS NOT YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL
Maths was not your strong subject at school, so you avoid anything that is number related. I believe this is fundamentally a lack of understanding.
2. LACK OF ED...
Are your Numbers like the Elephant in the Room?
I may not be the first person to call the elephant in the room. But I am the first person to call the numbers.
Are you treating numbers like elephants in the room, where they are looking at you while you try your best to ignore them?
What is it about the numbers that freaks you out?Â
I’ve found the top 7 reasons why people don’t look at the numbers
1. IS IT THAT YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE NUMBERS ARE?Â
This usually arises when you’re struggling; cash flow is a challenge, you’re stressed out, losing sleep at night and worrying about how to pay the wages, the rent, the bills and taxes. When times are tough, and you already know that, the last thing you want to do is look at the numbers and make yourself even more depressed when you see just how bad the situation is.
2. IS IT THAT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE REPORTS MEAN?
A lack of knowledge is the cause of many a case of numbers being ignored. The reality is that the vast majority of people go into business with no educatio...
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