Why Knowing Your Numbers is Non-Negotiable

Entrepreneurship is about big ideas, bold moves, and boundless energy. But let’s be honest—many entrepreneurs would rather do just about anything else when it comes to managing money. They avoid their finances like it’s a dentist appointment, only they'd rather have a cavity filled than spend time diving into their financials.

The problem? Ignoring your numbers doesn’t make the problems disappear. In fact, it makes them worse.

The three biggest reasons entrepreneurs dodge dealing with their finances, why it’s a mistake, and what’s at stake if they don’t change course.

The Big Three: Why Entrepreneurs Avoid Their Numbers

1. Fear of What They’ll Find
Let’s call it like it is—many entrepreneurs are afraid to look at their finances because they’re worried the picture isn’t pretty. It’s easier to tell yourself, “Things will get better soon,” than to face a glaring cash flow issue or a declining profit margin.

The irony? This fear keeps them stuck. Without a clear picture of what’s working and what isn’t, they’re flying blind. And while ignorance might feel like bliss, it’s a dangerous strategy when you’re running a business.

2. Overwhelm by Complexity
Profit margins, balance sheets, cash flow statements—where do you even begin? For many entrepreneurs, finances feel like a foreign language, and the sheer complexity makes procrastinating easy.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to become a CPA to understand your finances. You just need the right tools, guidance, processes, and mindset to simplify the chaos. When you break it down, the numbers aren’t as intimidating as they seem.

3. Time Crunch
Entrepreneurs wear a million hats. Between managing operations, marketing, and sales, it’s easy to shove finances to the bottom of the to-do list. It doesn’t feel urgent—until it’s an emergency.

It's a vicious cycle. Ignoring your finances today creates bigger problems tomorrow. And bigger problems always demand more time, energy, and resources to fix.

This is a problem for several reasons.

The consequences of avoiding your finances aren’t just about missed opportunities—they can be catastrophic. Here’s what’s at risk:

• Missed Growth Opportunities: Without tracking and analyzing your finances, you can’t make financially informed decisions about when and how to invest in growth.
• Unnecessary Financial Strain: Poor financial management can lead to overspending, cash shortages, and missed tax obligations. A side of stress, please. Uhm, no thank you.
• Business Failure: A sobering statistic—82% of small businesses fail because of cash flow problems. The fact is, ignoring your numbers puts you on that path. 

What Happens If You Don’t Change?

If nothing changes, your business's future is a risk. A month, six months, or a year from now, you will still struggle with the same financial uncertainty and miss out on growth opportunities because you didn’t plan for it. Five years from now, your business won’t be where you dreamed it would be—and deep down, you know your finances played a big role.

Now, imagine the flip side. You take control of your finances today. You know your numbers inside and out, and that knowledge empowers you to make bold, confident decisions. You seize opportunities because you’ve planned for them. You sleep better at night because you’re no longer flying blind. The best part is that you finally start to experience the freedom you desired when you started your business in the first place. 

Where Do You Want to Take Your Business?
If you’re dreaming big—and I hope you are—ask yourself this: are you in the driver’s seat, or are you letting your finances hold you hostage?

The truth is, avoiding your numbers isn’t just a bad habit—it’s a roadblock to your success. Taking control isn’t optional if you want to grow and thrive.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. But the first step is up to you. Stop procrastinating and start acting. It’s time to get your financial house in order so you can focus on building the business—and the future—you deserve.