Most business owners identify freedom as the main reason for starting their businesses. This can refer to financial independence, schedule flexibility, or the ability to travel. Often, it represents a mixture of these elements or a general desire for “freedom.”
However, a significant number of these business owners end up feeling overwhelmed and trapped in the very businesses they established. Why is that?
There’s a saying in the Storybrand Guide community that I’m a part of that really resonates with me: “Create a business that’s a playground, not a prison.”
What was once a dream of freedom can quickly become a prison if we allow our mindset to follow that path. However, there’s an alternative perspective that can make a significant difference – viewing your business as a playground. This is a place to explore, experiment, and pick yourself up to try again if you stumble.
Consider the following mindset changes if you start feeling trapped by your business.
Remember Your ‘Why’
Your business should be built around your life, not the other way around. If your ‘why’ is to spend quality time with your family, then you need to ensure that your business operations don’t overshadow this. Inclusion of personal time in your work schedule is as important as any other business activity.
Understanding and remembering your ‘why’ should be first and foremost. This is the core reason that motivates you and should be your guiding light.
Acknowledge that your ‘why’ may change over time. These shifts are a natural part of personal growth and business evolution.
When you started your business with a clear motivation or ‘why’, such as to spend more time with your family, it forms the foundation for your decision-making process. You’re likely to prioritize tasks and opportunities that align with this goal. For instance, you might choose flexible working hours, or turn down opportunities that require extensive travel.
On the other hand, if your primary motivator for starting your business is to establish a steady and reliable income, your decisions may be different. You may be willing to work longer hours, take on more clients, or pursue opportunities that require a higher investment of time and resources. You may even make sacrifices in other areas of your life, such as leisure time or family commitments, to ensure the financial success of your business.
However, it’s important to remember that your ‘why’ can evolve over time. As your business grows and your circumstances change, your motivations can shift as well. For instance, once you’ve achieved a steady income, you might shift your focus towards creating a better work-life balance or giving back to your community.
Regularly revisiting your ‘why’ and making sure it aligns with your current values and goals can help ensure your business continues to bring you satisfaction and fulfillment.
Set Clear Boundaries
The notion of being ‘always on’ can indeed lead to a feeling of being trapped in your business. This is largely due to the advancement of technology, which has made us more accessible than ever before. The lines between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred as we now carry our offices in our pockets through our smartphones.
While this accessibility can be advantageous for rapid communication and immediate problem-solving, it also brings with it the expectation of constant availability. This can lead to a culture where you feel obligated to respond to work-related queries at all hours, causing work to spill over into your personal time. When a work-related text comes in at 10 PM, there’s an implicit pressure to respond immediately for fear of missing out on an opportunity or letting a problem escalate.
However, constantly being on call isn’t sustainable long term, and it can lead to burnout, stress, and reduced productivity. More importantly, it sets unrealistic expectations with other parties involved. If you respond to work-related matters during your off-hours, it sends the message that you’re available 24/7, which is neither healthy nor practical.
To avoid feeling trapped in this cycle, it’s important to establish clear boundaries and expectations. This involves setting specific ‘office hours’ during which you’re available to respond to work-related matters, and communicating these hours clearly to your clients, colleagues, and business partners. It might also involve turning off notifications during your personal time, or even designating certain times or areas in your home as ‘work-free zones’.
By doing so, you create a healthier work-life balance, which is key to maintaining your wellbeing and productivity. It also helps to foster more respectful and understanding professional relationships, as others learn to respect your time and boundaries. Ultimately, running your own business should not equate to a round-the-clock commitment, but rather, it should allow for the flexibility and freedom that a traditional job might not offer.
Create Systems for Teamwork
Creating effective systems to streamline workflow is an essential part of successful business management. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the chances of errors and miscommunication. However, the real magic happens when you combine these systems with trust in your team.
By empowering your team and giving them the autonomy to adapt and navigate various situations, you create an environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Team members who feel entrusted with responsibilities and are given the freedom to make decisions tend to be more invested in their work. They are more likely to take initiative, solve problems and come up with innovative ideas.
This approach promotes a culture of continuous learning and improvement. When team members are free to adapt and innovate, they are more likely to seek out new skills and knowledge that can help them excel at their tasks. This culture of learning can help keep your business at the forefront of industry trends and developments.
When you don’t feel obligated to handle every single thing in your business, you won’t feel as chained to it.
Final Thoughts
Being comfortable with who you are and embracing the uniqueness of your character and business is what it takes to break down the walls of the business prison you may find yourself in.
There’s no ‘normal’ in the world of entrepreneurship. There’s just a diverse community of passionate individuals striving to create value and make a difference.
Turning your business from a prison into a playground isn’t an easy feat – it requires a lot of self-reflection, flexibility, and courage. But the rewards – a sustainable business that provides you with joy and freedom – are worth the effort.