Being an entrepreneur has its up and it's downs for sure. For Ryan and I it's allowed us to live our lives in a way that makes US feel good. When I really take a deep look at what we've created, I get this sense of peace because freedom is something we wanted for so long and that's one of the biggest gifts entrepreneurship gave us.
But on the other side of that is that we are the only ones in control of whether we have that success. We are the creators of our lives and we are the only ones that can control the money that comes in to help us live this life.
So with that, we've had to really create and learn a few things over the year when it comes to creating discipline inside of our businesses.
Here are a few things we've learned...
1. Focus on your strengths for maximized productivity.
You've heard the age-old saying "You can't be good at everything and help everyone." and it's true! Usually, that saying is used when it comes to growing your online business but it's also true when it comes to growing as a leader or entrepreneur.
You have to figure out where you are strong and get help where you aren't.
You can start by grabbing a piece of pen and paper and writing out every single task or thing that has to be done day in and day out within your business and your life. Give yourself some time to come up with this list, a week or two, that way you're sure to get everything out.
Then come back to that list and circle the things that you know you're best at and that can't be duplicated. For example, maybe it's sales calls, or it could even be taking and dropping the kids off at school. Only circle the things that REQUIRE you and that you're strong at.
Then you'll see the things that you didn't circle.
That's when you want to recruit help and outsource or hire people to help you. It doesn't always have to be an employee, it could be as simple as making something your spouse's responsibility.
By doing this you'll have a better focus on the areas in which you are strong, which in turn, will increase productivity overall!
2. Pay attention to where you're spending your time!
This is the one that is honestly the hardest. You're creating a business for freedom, which means you'll be in control of your schedule and how and when you want to show up. Want to get up at 9 am? GREAT! You can. Want to get up at 5 am? GREAT! You can do that too.
The point is that your time is in your hands. When you're clocking into a 9-5 you have a set time and set days to be there so that the employer knows the work is being done.
But when you're your own boss, that's not always the case.
I think you get where we are going here. You have to pay super close attention to where your time is being spent.
You can start by tracking each day on your phone notepad casually, and do that for a week. That's when you'll get a good idea of where you're putting your time.
You can use tools like time blocking, theming your days, or even doing 'work sprints' to keep things done. Either way, when you really focus on where you're energy is going, you're able to see where the gaps are and how to maximize your time.
And when you maximize your time, you make more money. Period!
3. Don't stop being open to growth.
I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this but...
You don't know everything. No one does.
No matter how much money you have or haven't made in business, no matter what you've gone through, you don't know everything there is to know about everything.
Way too many times we see people in business that feel as if they've cracked the code to building wealth, freedom, health, etc. and the truth is... there's always more to learn!
You have to make sure that you are constantly looking at ways to grow on a personal level because that will translate into professional growth.
Coaches need coaches, mentors need mentors, and therapists need therapists... you see where I'm going here.
ALWAYS do what you can to be connected to growing as a person. Ryan and I love podcasts, and we are always looking for an event to attend. Whatever works for you is fine, there is not a right or wrong way to learn, as long as you don't stop.
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