It’s been a while since I’ve been introspective on here. It’s easy for me to see why that is. Introspective posts take the most thought. And the last two months or so, every time I sit down to write a post that goes beneath the surface, well, I have a hard time completing my thoughts.
It’s kind of funny, because at the beginning of the year things were pretty slow. I spent a ton of time thinking about what I wanted and where my business was headed. That doesn’t mean that I came up with great answers or anything, but I was definitely putting the time in.
Sometime this spring I put my nose to the grindstone and somehow months started to fly by before I could really look up. It’s a little bit like I stepped on a hamster wheel and I’m not sure how to slow down or step off. I spend my days trying to tackle my never-ending to-do list without addressing any of the things that are a big deal to my daily routine. Is any of this sounding familiar?
{photo from my Instagram}
Let’s be honest- I like the daily work of my business. I love working with my clients and client projects are really fun and exciting for me. In a lot of ways, being super busy with that stuff is a great excuse to ignore the scary big questions that come with having your own business. But that doesn’t mean that ignoring them is the solution.
The last couple of days I’ve been able to snap out of it and remember that sometimes you have to put the oxygen mask on your own business before you can help others (let’s see how many metaphors I can squeeze in here, shall we?) But seriously- if my system has flaws that are causing things to break down, where will I be in a few months when those things that I haven’t addressed are really taking a toll on my business?
Because I like to use my blog as a way to force myself to be proactive, here are three ways that I’ve found are helpful when you can’t seem to break this cycle of being stuck working in your business instead of working on your business. And how I plan on setting aside some quality time to look at my big picture.
1. Schedule it. If I don’t schedule time to think about and work on my business, it’s just not going to happen. I need a weekly date with my sketchbook to jot down ideas and check in with my goals.
2. Step away from the computer. My best thinking happens when I’m not in front of the computer screen. I really want to start reading more, both for business and pleasure.
3. Talk about it. It always helps me to talk it out with others, whether it’s a family member or a friend in the biz.
Do you struggle with getting sucked into the day-to-day stuff? What do you do to snap out of it?
YES! I either feel like I’m really on top of my business goals, or really on top of client work, never both. I’ve been feeling super productive lately, so I’ve been working overtime to try to make some of those biz goals happen and still stay on top of client work — which of course means I have no life right now. But I’m ok with that at the moment, because I know when I go on vacation, I’ll truly be able to leave work at home, and I also won’t beat myself up if I need a day off in the middle of the week.
Also, I use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work, 5 minute break), so I’ve been trying to use one Pomodoro a day (or at least a few days a week) toward business goals. The only problem I run into with that is I get really into it and want to work more than one Pomodoro. Oooops.
I love that idea! At the beginning of the week I was scheduling weekly coffee time for myself where I would go to a coffee shop with a notebook and plan, but that wasn’t helping pages of my website get updated. Maybe this is the solution!
Even though I’m just getting started with my business, I can already tell it’s going to be a massive struggle balancing working/having a life/etc. I appreciate seeing posts like this from you that let me know I’m not alone in this! I love the idea of taking a step away weekly to check in with myself and my goals, both professionally and personally. See you tomorrow! xo
You’re definitely not alone! :)
I struggle with not being more proactive or being more mindful of scheduling my time. Being out of the workforce for several years has killed my work ethic and discipline. It’s been a huge struggle to mentally tell myself every day that even though I will not be returning to the out of home workforce any time soon, my blog is, in its own way, a job. I may not be earning an income from it (yet) but if I expect it to get anywhere I have to stop dawdling and start working.
It sounds silly but by adding new desk organization tools, colored pens to color code post ideas, a notebook to jot down blog notes and goals, and a paper calendar on my desk things are coming together. These small things are already helping my productivity and my overall clarity. It’s nice to feel like I am finally get myself on track again.
I am totally in favor of the magic of office supplies! Having the right tools definitely helps :)
I can’t even imagine having my own business – there’s so much to juggle and I don’t think I could do even half of what’s necessary to keep all the balls in the air. (Hey, another metaphor! haha) I respect you entrepreneurs SO much.
The only thing I can say encouragingly is the #3 is CRUCIAL. I’m monetizing my blog, and I scheduled a consult with Megan Flynn so I could talk it out with her. It was great to get her ideas and input and suggestions and she was beyond helpful, but it was just as valuable for me to have a sounding board – for someone who knew what I was talking about to sit there and listen and confirm my instincts and make me feel more confident about what I am setting out to do.
That’s so awesome! I love to hear about cool bloggers collaborating and learning from each other :)
Thanks for writing this post, I’m so glad to hear that it’s not just me that struggles to make time for business planning! I’m a massage, therapist, reflexologist and now run my own natural health & lifestyle blog.
When I first started out I had no idea that self employment required the circus skills of plate spinning and ball juggling.
But i’ve realised that if I don’t give myself time to plan, create & move forward then I become incredibly frustrated and disheartened. I absolutely agree with your fabulous three points and after reading this post i’m scheduling next months dedicated days right now! I also like to add a forth point – Continually spring clean your work place and computer. Creating space for new ideas and movement to happen.
Thanks for the inspiration, we all need doses of it regularly!