Am I spending my time on the parts of the business I enjoy most?
That's a crucial question and one that often doesn't get enough attention. In my journey from corporate life to freelancing, I realized that if your business doesn't align with your passions and strengths, you're essentially creating a job for yourself rather than a fulfilling business.
Start by assessing your daily activities. Consider using something like the "energy audit" method: track how you're spending your time over the course of a week, and note how each activity makes you feel. Are you energized, neutral, or drained? This simple exercise can be revealing.
If you find you're spending too much time on tasks that drain you, consider a few strategies:
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Outsource or Delegate: Identify tasks that don't need your direct attention and find ways to outsource them. This might mean hiring a virtual assistant or using automation tools to handle repetitive tasks.
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Optimize Your Workflow: Look for inefficiencies in how you manage these tasks. Sometimes a tweak in the process can reduce the time you’re spending on the less enjoyable aspects of your business.
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Restructure Your Goals: Are you spreading yourself too thin by trying to be everything to everyone? Revisit your business goals and ensure they're aligned with both your personal and professional aspirations.
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Set Boundaries: Often, we fall into the trap of saying yes to everything. Practice the art of saying no to projects or clients that don't excite you or align with your vision.
When I left engineering to become a creative entrepreneur, I had plenty of moments where I was doing work that wasn't fulfilling. It was only when I started applying what I now call the "Capture, Develop, Expose" framework that I found balance. I started capturing the work that inspired me, developing it into actionable content or products, and finding strategic ways to expose my offerings to the right audience. This shift allowed me to spend more time on what I loved—creating and connecting—and less on what I didn’t.
Ultimately, redefine success on your terms. Your business should be a reflection of your passion, not just a means to an end. Seek a balance that allows you to do more of what lights you up and less of what doesn't.