Running a business is hard work! And then you add in managing your family stuff – which if we are being honest with ourselves is like running another business. Throughout the past 6 years of running my business, I have realized a few things when it comes to the ebb and flow of it all.
- There is no true balance in life + business but different seasons that require more or less of you and your presence.
- Being present with your family or your community is so extremely important and that means sometimes your business will have to take a back seat.
- Knowing when to say “NO” will give you an insane amount of freedom.
- You don’t have to run your business alone!
Ok, I know all these sound good but may not be realistic for you – but I want to give you insight on if you don’t practice these things, you will lead to burn out, imposter syndrome, and ultimately a brand that doesn’t represent YOU!
No true balance
I would love to say that balance comes the longer you are in business, but I have found that to be the exact opposite. As my business has grown, I’ve also seen the demand for me and my time grow within the business. As I’ve grown as a wife and moved into parenthood, those responsibilities have also grown. When you are being pulled in all these directions, it won’t feel like balance, it will feel like sacrifice. I had thoughts of “If I take on this client, I won’t be able to plan any family gatherings this month” or sometimes it went like “I’m so sorry, Bo is sick today and I need to cancel our meeting”! Regardless of the situation, it feels like failure. It sets up the mentality that you’re not enough or not present enough.
In my option, it’s not about having balance but figuring out what priorities you have in a given season and moving accordingly.
Pro Tip:
Schedule white space! I learned this years ago from Emily Ley. White space allows for the ebb and flow in day to day life. Some days I use white space to play catch up, other days I use it for time to rest.
The Power of No
I’m sure people have heard me say that I am recovering people pleaser and perfectionist. Like literally, it landed me in therapy and I had to learn how to not have these tendencies within my business. I wanted everyone to like me and my business. I wanted to present products and services that were top tier and if it wasn’t, I would procrastinate, shut down and ultimately it led to letting others down.
What has changed? I had to get comfortable with saying no or not at this time. While this is SO hard when your are in the beginning of your business it’s so important to stick to the projects that represent where you want to be within business and the values your brand stand for.
Pro Tip:
In the beginning of each quarter, I look at what’s coming up. Birthdays, family trips, launches, and projects for clients. I very roughly map out days and when there are open gaps, this is where new clients can be added in or where I can schedule time off. If a new project arises personal or professional, I’m able to have an understanding as to my yes or NO!
Life Before Business Mindset
Have you ever been sold a course or a product and its sole focus was to get you to 6 or 7 figure income? I have! And I bought in because when I first started my business, success = money! While money is a great tool to invest in your business and have what your family needs, money isn’t everything.
Success to each person should look different! Financial freedom can definitely be a goal for you but when you truly think about success it is directly related to YOUR PURPOSE.
I realize that success to me is being able to be present when my family needs it. While finances are a huge part of that, my presence tends to outweigh what I may contribute financially. Disclaimer: my finances really do matter in our household but at the same time being a wife, a mom to a two year old with one on the way, all while being the sole caregiver to my mom is way more important than maxing my calendar out!
Pro Tip:
Monthly or quarterly, take a life audit! Some of the questions I ask myself are what’s important this month in my family and in biz, where am I financially and where do I need to be, and lastly, is it scheduled!
Don’t Do it Alone
I can say that I definitely had seasons where I was a solopreneur but it took a lot of people who wrapped their love, support and knowledge around me to get where I am at. If you aren’t in a place to outsource, that’s ok! I want to encourage you to find those people within your industry who can be in your corner. One of the best things I’ve done for myself and business, was be a part of a mastermind. Having like people in your space who understand, can give you feedback, share tips and tricks, and even just review work with you has been hands down life changing on how I work and my productivity.
Pro Tip:
Brand partners are people who are within the same industry or can be a brand that compliments your brand and aesthetic. They can also double as someone you bounce ideas off of.
Disclaimer: This is my experience and it will look different for everyone but if you’re interested in figuring out a flow for you, send me an email or a DM! This truly isn’t a pitch blog but it has taken me so long to understand and work through this myself. I would love to help others!
Until next time,
Crystal
