Finding balance and productivity in business: a personal journey
We are more productive when we do less
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, it's easy to fall into the trap of overextending ourselves, believing that the more we do, the more successful we'll be. However, sometimes it takes a moment of clarity, often with the help of an insightful coach, to realise that doing less can actually make us more productive and content.
I recently had a coaching session (any coach that doesn't themselves have coaching - always a bit dodge. It's a bit like a singing teacher who doesn't do any concerts...)
I was describing how I am trying to re-establish a new working balance with my small business, without sacrificing my beautiful maternity leave, and leaving some time for me at the end of the day.
I was talking and talking (and talking - if you know me this will come as no surprise) and the coach was holding space for me, and I suddenly said:
"Ah - but if I'm doing less I'm actually more productive!"
Now, perhaps to you this is obvious. But sometimes it takes someone else to help you with the very thing you are good at helping others with - in this case, finding clarity.
The reality of doing less
In reality what does this look like? One of my problems is choosing to just create and consume content rather than actually showing up consistently with lovely things I've already made.
I'm a bit "ooooh shiny new thing" instead of "give it time, test metrics, wait and see". I am also being pulled in multiple directions.
Here's what I was trying to do (this is work on the business, not in the business):
2 emails a week
Instagram nearly every day
Blog post a week
Sophie's course (The Social Pod)
Podcast
Re-design website
Write new lead magnet
Write new group programme
Here's what I have capacity to do right now:
2 emails a week
Instagram nearly every day
Blog post a week
Sophie's course (The Social Pod)
Podcast
Re-design website
Write new lead magnet
Write new group programme
Balancing work and family life
From February 2023 I will have one day a week of guaranteed childcare, when I will re-start the podcast, and I'll love a couple of quiet days of playing with my website between Christmas (eeek!) and the New Year. That's why me trying to be "all over it" during Black Friday was just ridiculous...I didn't have capacity, my energy was low, and whilst I very much hope to make brilliant money from my work, I wasn't coming from a point of "yay I love selling this" more "the sofa is calling"...
Here's some questions for you to ponder:
What do you realistically have capacity for now?
How can you intentionally plan to do less?
Do you intentionally build rest into your day?
If you're feeling brave, I'd love for you to share your answers in the comments below so we can continue this conversation and support each other in finding balance and productivity.
With love,
Laura x
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