I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
The Greatest Gift
I celebrated a birthday since my last post but not in the way we traditionally think of celebrating. I didn't have a party, go out with my friends or family, or tick something off my bucket list.
The closest I came to a traditional celebration was when my brother's family sang to me over the phone.
Before, during, and after the day, many folks asked me what I was doing to celebrate, expecting me to answer with plans.
But, the truth is, this year, my birthday was all about not having plans.
My big wish was: I'd like to have one day where I don't have to think or worry about anything or anyone.
And, I cannot tell you how good it felt to do just that.
I spent the day reading, doing the Times crossword puzzle, taking a walk, deciding on an appropriately decadent birthday cupcake to buy myself, cooking, and binge-watching Bridgerton.
Glorious!
When you take care of a business and other people, which many of us do in big and small ways, it's easy to get in the habit of filling time even when we don't have to.
I once had a client sheepishly ask me if it was okay that she take a day off in the middle of the week. She had a friend in town and just wanted to meet her for lunch and maybe go to a museum for an hour after.
My response?
"You absolutely do not need my (or anyone's) permission, but, heck yeah, do it. And, more importantly, enjoy every single minute of it."
The beauty of working for ourselves is that we have the freedom to create our own schedules.
The trap is that we feel incredibly guilty whenever we dare to step away.
So, if you've been thinking that you need a day off or a vacation or an afternoon to yourself, for what it's worth, I'm giving you permission (if that's what you need) to take that time.
Your business, your responsibilities, your task lists will still be there when you get back.
And, if you can build some automation into your business, then even better, stepping away won't shut down your whole operation.
I cannot tell you how fantastic it was to curl up with a pot of tea and a British mystery and not watch the clock or be interrupted with thoughts of my to-do list, the phone calls and emails I needed to respond to, or all the things awaiting me "tomorrow."
I highly recommend it!
Even just one day was incredibly refreshing.
If you missed it, last week I asked, How Does Your Garden Grow?
P.S. Want some help adding automation to your business? Let's talk.
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Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
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