"I never thought it would be this hard – when do I get to the good part?"
When it comes to running a business, this statement is true for most of us. The entrepreneur's journey is often more challenging than we expected. The ups and downs of success, establishing systems and processes, and staying positive can all be challenging. How can you make the "hard" parts feel a bit easier? Here are my five personal philosophies when it comes to bringing ease back into your life and business.
1 - Learn how to say NO
After experiencing burnout in my corporate management role and analyzing the events that got me to that point, I didn't realize how much saying "yes" (to avoid saying no) cost me energy and productivity. My path to mental recovery opened up with rest and, thankfully, being introduced to a book called Essentialism by Greg McKeown. I learned that if I wanted to build an online business while protecting my energy and well-being, I needed to practice and say no more often. Some of the most challenging times I've witnessed with my clients is when they said yes to something for the wrong reasons. For example, when they said yes to a new client or project simply because they didn't want to let someone down or when they committed themselves to something with an already overextended schedule. Like my past self, they always regretted these situations and had to drag themselves through them.
Anytime we say yes when we want to say no, we make things harder for ourselves. Kirstin Brenders
2 - Ask for help
I've worked with many who don't want to slow down and ask for help. They believe and say, "It's just easier or faster if I do it myself." The pull to DIY and to take care of things yourself is strong… I understand. Just because you can do it – and I know you can – doesn't mean you have to. I guarantee there is something on your plate right now that you don't have to do. Something that is hard simply because you don't want to do it anymore or you don't know how to do it but think you should. Let these things go (I can help) so you can do more of the stuff you enjoy.
3 - Stop saying, "I'm so busy."
Ask anyone how they are doing these days, and you will generally hear them say these three little words, "I'm so busy!" I said it often until I heard my 3-year-old toddler utter, "I'm busy," to show me that I needed to drop that phrase from my vocabulary. And then the idea solidified when my business and mindset coach, Julie Ciardi, said she doesn't use that word in her house or with her team. Whenever I feel like there is not enough time in a day or a week, I have learned to stop and be still. I have adopted her mantra, "There is plenty of time," to help pivot my thoughts and feelings. Then I take action by prioritizing what truly is essential.
You'd be a lot happier if you stopped saying you're busy. There's a better way to reframe busyness (a negative!) by using different words. Lee Carter
4 - Stop using the weekends to catch up
Block out time on your calendar on a weekday to allow yourself time to catch up! Create space so that when things don't go as planned, you know that time for overflow tasks if possible. I don't care how much you love your work; if you never allow yourself to unplug from your business, it will start to suck the life out of you. We all need time to rest & recharge, not only physically but mentally as well—time for our brains to stop thinking about this project, that client, that idea, etc. Giving yourself the weekends can significantly impact the energy and enthusiasm you can bring to your work.
5 - Accept that being challenged is part of the process
Growth is meant to be challenging at times, but those times can also be temporary. <– this part is a choice. When you are on a journey of creating what matters, you will be challenged – you will be stretched. You will have to do things you don't want to do – that you wish you could skip over. Like learning how to create an email marketing campaign, setting up systems to support you, or dealing with a challenging client or team member.
I firmly believe that great things in business are never accomplished by an individual but rather by a team. If you need a calming presence and assistance reclaiming your time in your service-based business, it may be time to bring me on board. I've got time for you! I'd love to hear about the work you're doing in the world and see how I help you get some ease and flow back into your work life. Click here to send me some info and book a 30-minute Connection Call.
Hey there- if we haven’t had a chance to meet yet, I’m Kirstin, a former corporate gal turned small business owner who helps female entrepreneurs. To learn how we can partner together, check my Services.
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