Who do you work for?

No matter what kind of work you do, there is a big difference between working in your business and working on your business. There's a saying that the cobbler's kids have no shoes, and in my life, that rings true. As a writer, I spend all of my time writing for other people, which means it's hard to find time to write the things that are on my heart. I fill this blog with posts, but my blog hasn't been updated in a few months. Perhaps you're an accountant whose business finances could use some work or a contractor whose offices need an upgrade. This phenomenon is incredibly common, and while it may not feel like the end of the world, it's keeping you from growing to your full potential.

Think of it this way. Any time you fill out a form that asks who your employer is, you most likely pencil in "self." But are you working for yourself? Or are you just working for the next client that pops up?

Remember who your boss is when you find yourself only working for other people and neglecting your business. Remember who pays the bills and that to grow your business, you have to invest in it. Remember that investing in your business is not selfish. It's not a waste of time. It's how you invest in your future, care for your family, and build wealth.

Here are some things you can think about as you learn to invest more time and energy into your business.

What essential tasks do you need to complete for your business?
Some tasks will come up on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis that need to be addressed, like taxes, marketing, and bookkeeping. Keeping on top of these tasks will give you peace and help you feel more in control. 

What big dreams do you need to pursue?
Besides the recurring tasks you need to tackle, you should set aside time to dream about the future of your business. Think of it like a team retreat where you get away for a few hours or days to set goals and intentions for the year to come.

When do you feel most motivated and inspired?
Are you leaving yourself at the bottom of your list? It's all too common for business owners to put themselves last and wait until they're tired and unmotivated at the end of the day to tackle big tasks. Anticipate when you're at your best, and schedule that time to complete your most important work.

Do you need support or accountability to get it all done?
It's hard to stay focused on a goal when you're the only one who knows about it. Don't keep your goals a secret. Share them with a friend, partner, or mentor so they can help hold you accountable or assist you as needed.

You deserve the best from yourself! As you build your dream business, remember to give yourself the time you need to build something beautiful.