We all carry burdens. Some days, they feel manageable. Other days? They crush us.
For me, 2023 was one of those years that was crushing.
When My Coffee Shop Failed
I still remember the day I had to close my small coffee shop. I had poured everything into it—my savings, my time, my dreams. When it failed, I didn’t just feel like I had lost a business; I felt like I was a failure as a person.
Have you ever felt that way? Like carrying a stone so heavy that you can’t even stand up straight? That is exactly where I was: heartbroken, hopeless, and ready to quit.
The Turning Point: A 7-Day Course
In 2023, I knew I needed to change my perspective, so I signed up for a seven-day entrepreneurship training course with CamEd Business School in Phnom Penh.
Honestly, I almost didn’t go. What was the point? I had already failed once. My confidence was at rock bottom. But I forced myself to go anyway.
That class is where I learned the lesson that saved me: It isn’t the weight that breaks you—it’s how you carry it.
Think about it. A 50kg backpack feels heavy. But if you take everything out and break that weight into smaller bags? Suddenly, it is manageable. My business problems were the same.
Breaking Down the Big Problems
Instead of looking at my failure as one massive disaster, I started breaking it down into small, specific pieces using the methods I learned.
Here is a real example from my shop: I used to panic because I was losing customers. I thought, “I am just bad at business.” That was a heavy, vague thought that paralyzed me.
But when I used the “CamEd method” to analyze the situation, I realized the actual problem was simply slow service. I was trying to do everything alone—taking orders, making coffee, and serving. When customers called to order, I couldn’t deliver the coffee fast enough. They got tired of waiting and went elsewhere.
The Specific Solution
Once I identified the specific problem (slow service), I could find a specific solution.
The Fix: I didn’t need to be a superhero. I just needed help. I called my brother. I asked him to help me deliver coffee, specifically when phone orders came in.
That one small decision changed everything.
- Speed: The service became instantly faster.
- Customer Satisfaction: People stopped complaining and started returning.
- Mental Health: The stress on my shoulders disappeared. I didn’t have to carry that weight alone anymore.
It’s Not Just About Working Harder
Here is what nobody tells you about handling pressure: working harder doesn’t always help. Sometimes, you need to work smarter—and that usually means asking for help.
I used to think asking my brother for help meant I was weak. Now I know it meant I was smart.
When things get really tough, don’t isolate yourself. Talk to other business owners. Call your family. Take breaks when you need them. Managing your emotions is just as important as managing your inventory.
A Message to You
If you are reading this and you are struggling right now, I want you to know something: Your burden is real. Your problems are real. Your exhaustion is real.
But you are stronger than you think.
Happiness doesn’t mean having no problems. It means learning how to live with them without letting them destroy you. Don’t blame yourself for the weight you are carrying. Instead, learn to carry it differently.
- Identify the specific problem (like my slow service).
- Find a specific solution (like asking a family member for help).
- Forgive yourself for not being perfect.
Moving Forward
I am still carrying burdens today. My business journey isn’t perfect. I still face challenges every single week. But now I know something I didn’t know before my time at CamEd: The burden doesn’t define you. How you carry it does.
So if you are feeling crushed right now—whether it’s business, family, money, or something else—remember this: It’s not about the weight. It’s about how you carry it. And you can learn to carry it better.
One step at a time.
