"Joan, I'm working so hard and I'm not getting anything done!" I have heard some version of this cry of frustration by many an entrepreneur. It's a common complaint voiced by those of use who sought
freedom to have complete authority over our schedules, only to find ourselves unwittingly shackled by old ways of operating.It does not appear to matter that we are independent professionals or business owners, we live in a world shaped by rules of corporate life. Most of us came from jobs and daily schedules that dictated what to do and how to spend our time. Being somewhat like long-term prisoner we got very used to daily regimen. We were told when to start work, take lunch, take breaks and leave for day. Managers, clients, customers and operating manuals told us what to do and when to do it.
So we get out on our own, having dreamt of freedom, only to start filling our days with busyness, in a panic from very start. We don't have a clue as to how to do otherwise.
It doesn't seem to matter how long you have been out on your own. It's just as difficult to break outdated habits and beliefs when we do become financially successful. Why? Because whatever path to success we took, we now believe - or certainly worry - that it's only way. We are afraid to let go and try something new. Why? Perhaps because beliefs have been making decisions all along. And I'm not talking about beliefs based in trust, faith, passion and prosperity!
Consider following beliefs:
1. I'm easily distracted 2. I'm not an organized person 3. I do my best work under pressure 4. Really successful people start work early and end late 5. When you own your own business, you have to work long hours, especially at beginning 6. If I keep enough balls up in air, some are sure to land. 7. Work…hard… nose…to… the…grindstone (Arrgghh!) 8. If I'm having fun it must not be right
Or complaints…
1. I can't take time off - I need money 2. I don't know how to say "no" to others (or to crappie work or to crummy clients) 3. I never have enough time for myself 4. I'm responsible for everything in my business 5. In this bad economy…fill in blank
It's no wonder we find it difficult, left to our own devices, to figure out how to structure our day so that we achieve that seemingly illusive balance between success and personal well being. The two needs appear to be at odds with each other. It's a rare few that have good fortune to understand how to create a structure that effectively serves both needs.
