Have you ever had one of those moments where you feel completely lost in your business?

You’re doing “all the right things.” Posting on social media, talking to clients, handling the numbers, yet still, something feels off.

You’re wandering through the daily grind, unsure if you’re heading in the right direction.

I’ve been there too.

Not long ago, while camping at Bon Echo Park in Ontario, I came across a short article in the park’s visitor newspaper that stuck with me. It was a guide on what to do if you get lost in the woods. The fourth step said:

“If you become lost, remember the following: stay where you are and hug a tree.”

That line hit me hard. Not just as good camping advice, but as solid business advice, too.

The Power of “Hugging a Tree”

In business, “hugging a tree” isn’t about finding the nearest maple or pine. It’s about grounding yourself when everything feels confusing or uncertain.

Sometimes, when we feel lost, our instinct is to rush, to move faster, do more, or chase new ideas. But often, that frantic energy just pulls us deeper into the chaos.

“Hugging a tree” means the opposite. It means stopping long enough to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters.

It means asking yourself:

• Why did I start this business in the first place?

• What do I want it to give me, not just financially, but emotionally?

• What values or goals do I want to guide my decisions?

When you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, return to your roots. Your core values are your compass. They’ll remind you who you are, what you care about, and where you actually want to go.

Step 1: Know What (and Who) Matters

The park guide also said that when someone goes missing, you start by listing what you know about them. That helps rescuers focus their search.

In business, the same idea applies. When you feel lost, list what you know about your business:

• Who do you serve best?

• What services or products bring you energy instead of exhaustion?

• Which parts of your work make you proud?

It’s easy for our businesses to get bloated over time. We say yes to too many projects. We take on clients who don’t fit our style or values. We start chasing opportunities that don’t actually align with our strengths.

That’s how we drift off the trail.

Take time to get honest about what’s working and what isn’t.

Maybe you’re a bookkeeper who loves working with creative entrepreneurs but somehow ended up handling the books for half a dozen construction companies. Or maybe you started offering consulting “just to fill the gap” and now spend more time consulting than doing the work you actually enjoy.

The fix isn’t always easy, but it’s simple:
Refocus on what makes you happiest and most effective.

Step 2: Avoid Wandering in Circles

When hikers panic, they often wander around aimlessly, getting further from safety. The same happens in business.

When we feel lost, we start trying random things: a new app, a new niche, a new service, a new platform.

It’s like running in circles, lots of motion, no real progress.

The trick is to stop wandering and look for guidance. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. There are fantastic business resources out there that can help you get your bearings again:

• SCORE.org – SCORE offers free mentorship for small business owners, plus workshops and webinars on every topic imaginable, from marketing to finances. I’ve both taught and received guidance through SCORE, and I can’t recommend it enough.

• SBA Business Guide – A goldmine for templates, training, and planning tools for entrepreneurs. It covers everything from writing a business plan to understanding funding and taxes.

• AccountingCoach.com – It’s not flashy, but it’s one of the best free resources for understanding accounting basics. When you need to brush up on financial fundamentals, it’s the place to go.

• CPA Academy – Offers free and low-cost webinars on business, accounting, and productivity topics. Even if you’re not a CPA, you’ll find practical training you can apply right away.

You might not need all of these right now, but knowing they exist is like marking your map before a hike. You’ll know where to look when you need direction.

Step 3: Listen for the Signs

The last tip from the article said, “When you hear your name being called, answer loudly.”

That’s powerful advice for life and business.

Sometimes opportunities are calling to us, but we’re too busy to notice.

A potential collaboration, a client referral, an idea for a new service. It’s easy to brush them off because they don’t fit perfectly into our plan.

But here’s the thing: not every opportunity looks like what you expected.

Be open to new directions.

Maybe a client asks for something that’s outside your normal scope, but it sparks an idea for a new offering. Maybe someone invites you to speak at a local event, and that experience leads to new connections. Maybe a mentor or peer says, “Hey, you’d be great at this,” and it turns out they’re right.

The more you stay open, the easier it becomes to recognize when the universe is gently nudging you toward growth.

Step 4: Reconnect with Joy

When you feel lost, the question isn’t always “How do I make more money?” Sometimes, the better question is, “What brings me joy?”

Because joy is fuel. It keeps you moving, even through the tough parts.

Take a look at your day-to-day work and ask yourself:

• What tasks make me feel fulfilled or excited?

• Which clients or projects leave me smiling?

• When do I feel most “in the zone”?

You might not be able to rebuild your business around those things overnight, but you can start shifting your energy toward them.

Maybe that means trimming your service list. Maybe it means raising your rates so you can take fewer, better-fit clients. Or maybe it’s as simple as carving out an hour a week to dream and plan instead of just reacting.

When you do work that aligns with your heart, it’s easier to stay steady when things get uncertain.

Step 5: Ask for Help When You Need It

In the woods, if you’re truly lost, the best thing you can do is stay put and wait for help.

In business, that means reaching out to mentors, peers, or professionals who’ve walked the path before you.

Whether it’s a SCORE mentor, a trusted accountant, or a business coach, don’t try to navigate everything alone.

A short conversation with the right person can save you weeks (or months) of spinning in circles.

Even if you don’t feel “that lost,” having people you can talk to keeps you grounded and connected.

Step 6: Literally, Go Hug a Tree

When all else fails, do what the park guide says: go outside and hug a tree.

It sounds silly, but it works.

Step away from your desk. Go for a walk. Breathe some fresh air. Disconnect from your computer and reconnect with the world around you.

Sometimes the best way to find your next step is to stop trying so hard to find it.

Final Thoughts

Feeling lost in business is normal, it happens to everyone at some point. The key is not to panic or keep running in circles.

Instead, pause and ground yourself.

Remember who you are, why you started, and what truly matters. Refocus your energy on the people and projects that bring you fulfillment.

And if you ever need help finding your way, know that there are resources and people ready to help you back onto the path.

Wishing you clarity, calm, and a tree nearby when you need one.