If you’re a small business owner, I’m guessing that you might have started your business for similar reasons that I did – to have the freedom to be your own boss and to build something that you are passionate about – but it can be overwhelming and it’s all too easy for your business to take over your whole life.
Becoming self-employed without putting into place some kind of structure can lead to work expanding into every area of your life and you ending up burnt out and overwhelmed. The last thing you need is to feel deflated and start questioning your reasons for starting in the first place.
I’m sure there’s lots of people who thrive without structure…but I am not one of them! I like to have (flexible) routines to follow with plans and lists and mapped out days. I tend to do a rough week ahead plan and build my homelife into it too, as that’s as important as work so, in my mind, deserves its place on the calendar. Don’t get me wrong, some days I plan the day and then completely ignore the plan and chaos ensues – but in general the planning and structure works well for me.
Here are a few things I have learned so far:
Boundaries are so important
- Working from home blurs to the line between work life and home life and that’s where the commute would usually allow for that separation. Simple alternative? Close the laptop and shut the door on your workspace at a set time (because you decide your hours), go for a walk, have a shower or do whatever it is to switch your brain into home mode.
- Set boundaries with clients – when you are and aren’t available – and set boundaries with friends and family – when you won’t be readily available and making it clear that although you are at home, you are working!
The guilt is real
- It’s difficult to switch off and allow yourself time to not think about your business when you’re a business owner. There’s always something you could be doing but protecting your downtime / personal time is so important.
- Resting does not equal unproductive – if you don’t rest properly your productivity will decrease until you’re flapping around exhausted and getting nowhere.
- You will make better business decisions when you’re rested. I don’t know about you, but when I’m drained my decision making ability goes out the window.
Identity, who am I now?
- When I started this business it was like an identity shift – I’m a Virtual Assistant now! But I am also: someone who loves to crochet, someone who is definitely solar powered and loves to try to ID birds and plants, someone who loves to cook and someone who loves to explore and dream up future plans with her fiance.
- Whilst being a business owner is a huge mindset shift, I’m finding it really useful to protect time to do all of the other things I love to do – even if that means combining audiobooks with a walk, or crocheting a blanket whilst watching a film.
- Don’t forget the other parts of you that make you an amazing person.
Be practical
- Finding a business mentor is game changing and I cannot stress enough how much this has helped me build confidence as a VA and as a business owner. For my fellow VAs that want the ultimate support system, check out Amanda @ VA Training Academy – you will not be disappointed.
- Create structure and routine that works for you and your business.
- Create an end of the day ritual
- Learn the difference between busy productive and anxious productive and act on it – they can feel the same at the time but they are very different!
Delegation is key
- When you run your own business everything lives in your head and everything is on your plate – but what could you do
- As I grow my business, I will consider taking on associates to help me with the load and allow me to focus on other areas of my business.
- What’s the point of building the dream life if you can’t enjoy it because you’re holding too tight to control? Seeking help makes good business sense and pays off in the long run – what could you achieve if you were dealing with the nitty gritty admin stuff that most business owners loathe?
- Delegating just a few hours a month can create breathing space to do with as you wish – think time back to build your business or space to take more personal time.
If you delegated just a few hours each month, what difference could that make to you and your business?
