I spend a lot of time with my three year old, Holtan. Anyone who has ever raised a three year old, or been around one for a good amount of time knows that they are super fun, but also super exhausting, strong willed, and they ask A LOT of questions. As I started to think about how Holtan sees the world and lives his life, I started to realize he was on to something. A lot of what he does, likes, and says, can be applied to business, and I really think running your business like a three year old isn’t such a bad idea.

Here’s why:

1. They always have snacks.

   I mean, who wants to sit down to work when there isn’t any snacks?

2. They don’t listen.

   This is a good quality to have when you’re starting off in business. You need to make sure you’re listening to the right people, and most times, you just shouldn’t listen to other people’s opinions about what you’re doing. You’re likely feeling insecure about what you’re doing because it’s new and you’re putting yourself out there in ways you haven’t before, and one person’s negative opinion, or judgment could put a damper on your confidence. So, be like a three year old, and don’t listen to them.

3. They do what feels right.

   If you’ve ever hung out with a three year old for more than 15 minutes, then you know, they do whatever they want to, and it’s based on what feels right and good in the moment. Taking my pants off and running outside? Yep, that sounds nice, I’ll do that. Frustrated and want to scream? Yep, that’s definitely going to feel good. Stealing my toy back from my sister because it’s mine? Yep, that should do it. Three year olds do whatever they hell they want. And, in business, you should too. Check in with YOURSELF, not everyone around you, and ask yourself, What feels right? What feels good? What makes the most sense for me? and my business? Then, when the answer comes, do that.

4. They talk non stop about what they love.

   I’m serious. My three year old talked for 32 minutes, barely pausing to take a breath, about his trip on the four wheeler down to the pasture one morning. If you really love what you do, TALK ABOUT IT. Share it with the people you know, share it with the people you don’t know, put it out there to the Universe. Tell people what you’re doing so they can support you and refer you. Share, share, share.

5. They throw tantrums, but then can move on from them in seconds when they see fruit snacks.

   It’s okay to be upset, throw a tantrum, get angry, but then, you’ve got to move on. Business owners cannot hold on to things, or get stuck in ruts for too long, your business depends on you to keep it moving forward. So, if something doesn’t go your way, take some time to feel all the feels, and then get over it. Get yourself some fruit snacks.

6. They ask A LOT of questions. This really is a good quality to have. They want to know WHY, and you should too, when it comes to your business. Looking at why things are the way they are in your business helps you understand what's working and what isn’t, and what needs to change. Asking a lot of questions of other business owners that have gone before you can also help you see an easier path to success.

We really can learn a lot from the three year olds in our lives. Did any of these sound like something you will try in your business?