In 2007, resolve to make your business or organization an active part of your holistic approach to life.
Those of us who have chosen to create a business of our own have done so for many reasons. Some want more income and wealth building potential, some need a flexible schedule that working for someone else can not provide, and others may find something they really believe in and, rather then wait around for a job in that field to come along, they decide to create one. I realized long ago that as an employee, we control how we conduct ourselves on the job but are not in control of the direction and impact of the company or organization as a whole.
Business ownership provides not only great personal satisfaction, but often requires great personal sacrifice. Long hours, uncertain income and 24/7 responsibilities put a strain on our life – physically, spiritually and mentally. Compromises made every day for clients, associates and the industry itself can bear down on one’s soul. Sometimes we question if being the captain of our own ship is worth it. Well, it is!
Instead of waiting to end the work day so you can restore harmony back into our day, your business should be a catalyst to bringing your life into balance. This can be done without changing businesses, without great expense and without disrupting your life and relationships outside of business. Whatever kind of business or organization you are responsible for, you can bring it into harmony with the rest of your life. You can view work as an essential part of balancing your day, a piece that seems to fit in place right where it is.
Don’t get me wrong: Not every day in business can be utopia, however, with the right priorities, attitude and discipline your business will be exactly the right place for you. A business that is in harmony with the rest of your life will be a more successful organization. You will have happier clients and employees, higher profits and a sense that your business really impacts the world, and it will.
What does your organization do for your clients, your employees, for you? Read your mission statement. Follow it or change it to something you desire and are able to follow. Be realistic, but create a statement that is something you can feel good about. Make sure everyone knows that this statement is the bottom line. And then make four lists:
• Business activities that directly further your mission.
• Any aspect that conflicts in any way with that mission or your own principals.
• What parts are you good at and enjoy.
• Anything you are not so good at or dislike.
Remember, be honest. Embrace business activities that are both priorities and ones you enjoy, like sales, services or networking with clients and associates. Delegate things you dislike and are honestly not good at. The time you spend selling, promoting or networking with clients should easily pay for accounting, managing and training services. Finally, the parts of your business that cannot be reconciled with your mission statement and are not essential to running your business need to be discarded; you will feel liberated when you cut these away.
Many business owners know things that need to be done, but are overwhelmed and have no energy left for problems that aren’t immediate. Many will read this article and try to put these principles to use only to find themselves so mired in the day-to-day operations of their life and their business that they just can’t seem to get it done. If this is you, get a personal or business coach. They can help you explore many alternatives to traditional hours, location and even employees for your organization with the experiences of many others and help you achieve your goals and keep you on track. Find one who is honest and will help you achieve your goals, not theirs, and can be discreet if you wish.
Make 2007 the year you bring the rest of your business in balance with your values and principles. You will reap the rewards in all areas of your life.
