If you’re running a small business, your days are probably packed with meetings, decision-making, and managing the never-ending to-do list.
With all this chaos, taking care of your own well-being often slides to the bottom of your priority list.
However, integrating self-care into your routine is important, not just for your health, but also for the success of your small business.
Here’s are some tips on how you can make time for self-care, even with your packed schedule.
Schedule It Like a Business Meeting
Just as you wouldn’t skip a meeting with a client, don’t skip a meeting with yourself.
Block off time in your calendar dedicated strictly to self-care.
This could be anything from a 15-minute meditation session, a quick walk around the block, or simply sitting down with a cup of coffee away from your work desk.
Treat these moments as non-negotiable appointments.
You’ll find that when self-care becomes a scheduled part of your day, it’s much harder to justify skipping it.
Embrace the Magic of Morning
Morning might be the only time you control entirely, before the demands of your business take over.
Try waking up just 30 minutes earlier—a small adjustment that can create ample space for some personal time.
I’ve recently decided to start trying this myself.
When I am up earlier than normal, even those few minutes, it seems I can get so much more done!
You can use this quiet period for exercise, reading, or simply planning your day.
If mornings are too hectic, the same can be applied to evenings.
Once the day’s hustle winds down, spend some time unwinding in a way that rejuvenates you.
For me, it helps at night before bed to go over the next day’s schedule and plan my day.
That way, I’m not laying in bed worried I might forget an errand or task I need to complete tomorrow!
Use that Technology for Efficiency
As a small business owner, you’re likely always looking for ways to boost efficiency.
Apply the same mindset to manage your personal tasks.
Automate whatever you can, like ordering groceries online or using apps that streamline your routine tasks.
I have a grocery app that I use.
I have premade lists so that all I need to do is tap on what needs to be added.
I’m also never without my phone, so I don’t run the risk of leaving that shopping list sitting on the counter when I leave the house.
These small time savers can add up, freeing up pockets of time that can be redirected towards activities that refresh and energize you.
Start Small and Build Up
There’s no need to overhaul your entire routine overnight.
Start with just ten minutes a day dedicated to a self-care activity you enjoy.
It could be something as simple as practicing deep breathing, enjoying a short walk, or listening to a podcast.
Once you get into the habit of dedicating daily time to self-care, gradually increase the duration as your schedule allows.
Remember, even a small amount of self-care is better than none.
The Cumulative Power of Self-Care
You might wonder if these small increments really make a difference.
They do!
Over time, these moments build up, helping to reduce stress, enhance your creativity, and improve overall productivity.
By taking care of your health and well-being, you’re not just benefiting yourself but also setting a positive example for your employees and creating a healthier work environment.
Connect with Others
Remember that many other small business owners face similar challenges.
Connect with them through forums, social media groups, or local meetups.
Sharing experiences and tips can provide new perspectives and strategies that might work well for you too.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait to start making self-care a part of your life.
Your health is your most valuable asset, and maintaining it is essential, not just for you personally but for the health and success of your small business.
Start today, because a little self-care goes a long way in ensuring you and your business thrive.
And remember, self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially when you’re at the helm of a bustling small business.
It’s about keeping your engine running smoothly so you can tackle every business challenge with energy and focus.
Make Self-Care a Part of Your Small Business Strategy
Consider integrating self-care into your overall business strategy.
Just as you plan for financial growth or marketing efforts, think about personal growth and wellness as critical pillars of your business success.
This might mean setting healthier work-life boundaries, learning to delegate more effectively, or even improving the physical workspace to enhance your comfort and productivity.
Explore Creative Outlets
It can also be beneficial to put activities into your routine that stimulate your creativity and passion.
This could be anything from painting or writing to DIY projects or gardening—anything that gets you away from the computer screen and gives your mind a break from business operations.
How many time have you walked away from something that was troubling you and found the answer in the middle of doing something completely unrelated?
Having creative activities is not only relaxing but can also spark innovation that you can bring back to your business.
Regular Check-ins With Yourself
Just as you regularly review your business performance, make it a habit to check in with yourself.
How are you feeling mentally and physically?
Are there specific stressors that you need to address and shore up?
What’s working well in your self-care routine, and what isn’t?
These regular check-ins can help you adjust your strategies in real-time, ensuring that self-care evolves as your business and personal needs change.
Encourage a Culture of Wellnessin Your Small Business
Encourage breaks, provide a comfortable working environment, and promote a culture where mental health days are respected.
By fostering a workplace that values wellness, you not only increase productivity but also attract and retain top talent who also value these principles.
Balancing a busy life with self-care isn’t just about squeezing in a yoga class or enjoying a quick meditation session.
It’s about making a consistent, conscious effort to maintain your health and well-being so you can lead your business with strength and vitality.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a selfish act—it’s a strategic one.
So, why not start today?
Your future self—and your business—will thank you.
With these tips and strategies, you can turn self-care from a sporadic luxury into a regular, beneficial part of your busy entrepreneurial life.
Give it a shot, and drop your ideas and comments below.
If you’ve been on the proverbial fence about starting a blog for your small business, it’s time to jump off that fence and do it!
Blogging might seem like an extra task on your already long to-do list, but trust me, it’s a game changer for any business looking to grow its presence online.
Let’s break down why your small business should embrace the blog life.
Let Your Business’s Personality Shine Through Your Blog
Your website is where you get down to business, showcasing your products or services with a professional touch.
But your blog?
That’s where your business gets to let its hair down.
This is the space to give your audience a peek behind the curtain and show them just what makes your business tick.
From highlighting team achievements to sharing your thoughts on industry news or giving a sneak peek into upcoming products, your blog breathes life into your brand.
It’s about creating a connection that goes beyond transactions.
Think of it as building a community around your brand.
Blogging Allows You to Establish Yourself as the Go-To Expert
We live in the age of information, and people are constantly in search of answers to their burning questions.
By posting blogs that tackle these subjects, you position your small business as an expert in your field.
Imagine a potential customer searching for advice on a problem that your business solves.
When they stumble upon your well-crafted blog post that not only answers their questions but also showcases your expertise, who do you think they’ll turn to when they’re ready to purchase?
You guessed it, the expert—you!
Boost Your Website Traffic with a Blog
Think about how often you update your website.
If you’re like most businesses, especially small businesses, the answer is probably not very often.
Blogs provide a vital element to your site, giving you a reason to regularly add fresh content.
Search engines love fresh content, and each blog post is another page for them to index.
More content means better visibility in search results, which leads to more visitors.
Plus, each blog post is an opportunity to attract new visitors and guide them toward your services or products.
Turn Blog Posts into Social Media Fuel
Great blog content doesn’t just sit on your website waiting to be discovered.
It’s perfect for sharing on your social media channels.
When people find your posts helpful or interesting, they’ll share them.
This extends your reach and increases your brand’s visibility.
Each share introduces your business to a potential new pool of customers.
Not to mention that engaging blog content keeps your social media pages lively and engaging, encouraging more interaction from followers.
Solid SEO Means Serious Business Growth
Here’s the deal: the numbers don’t lie.
Businesses that blog regularly see real benefits:
81% of U.S. online consumers trust the information they get from blogs.
61% of those consumers have made a purchase based on a blog’s recommendation.
Blogs can increase your indexed pages by 434%, massively boosting your SEO.
Frequent blogging can lead to a 70% increase in leads.
If these stats don’t make you want to start blogging yesterday, I don’t know what will!
Take the Plunge and Start Blogging
It’s an investment in your business that can pay off in spades.
There are plenty of resources available online to help you get started, and many blogging platforms offer user-friendly interfaces.
Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
Focus on creating high-quality content that is relevant to your target audience.
Be consistent with your posting schedule.
Promote your blog posts on social media and other channels.
Blogging can be a powerful tool for small businesses, so don’t wait any longer to get started!
Feeling Overwhelmed by the Idea of Starting a Blog?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to go it alone!
We specialize in helping small businesses create engaging and impactful content that helps connect with their audience and drives results.
Whether you’re new to the blogosphere or looking to ramp up your existing efforts, we’ve got the skills and know-how to help your blog—and your small business—thrive.
We can assist with everything from brainstorming content ideas to crafting compelling posts and optimizing them for search engines.
Get in touch today for a free consultation and let’s start this blogging adventure together and build your small business’ online presence!
As a business owner, you know somewhere in a conversation with a new acquaintance, they are going to ask, “So what do you do?”
And we all have our “elevator pitch” as they are known by.
When I give mine, which is:
I give business owners freedom by turning their social media chaos into a well-oiled machine, allowing them to focus on growing their business.
I get this question:
Why is social media so important to my business?
That’s a tough question to answer because, honestly…it’s NOT for everyone!
And a lot of business owners, who are NOT on social media, think that it is all about posting pictures of what someone had for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Or my personal favorite…using it as a journal. I went here today, had lunch with this friend, bought that or that…
And while this is true for individuals on social media, it’s not true for business owners. Unless, of course, you’re a food blogger. Or fashion designer.
Social media for business owners comes down to posting for YOUR audience, so that they can find you, contact you, and hopefully do business with you.
It’s about boosting your brand to connect with your audience.
With that said, let’s chat about why it’s a big deal.
Social media lets you connect with the whole world from your office
Imagine reaching millions of potential customers without leaving your office.
That’s the beauty of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
They give you a worldwide stage.
That stage allows you to share your brand story and products with a global audience instantly.
And it’s not just about reaching more people.
Social media is about reaching the RIGHT people through targeted ads and content that speak directly to your ideal customer.
What’s working with your social media? Just check the stats!
Another big plus? Instant feedback.
Thanks to built-in analytics tools, you can see stats like who’s viewing your posts, clicking your links, and buzzing about your brand.
This makes it super easy to tweak your strategy on the fly and do more of what works and less of what doesn’t.
SEO BFFs
Yep, social media and search engines like Google can be the best of friends.
Sharing content from your website to your social channels can boost your site’s traffic, which can help your search engine rankings climb.
It’s a win-win: more visibility on social media and search engines.
Let’s talk money (or the lack of)
Marketing budgets are tight, right?
Well, social media can be a wallet-friendly way to get your message out there.
Many platforms are free to use, and even paid advertising won’t drain your bank account like traditional media can.
You can start small, test the waters with a few ads, and scale up as you see what works.
All without hiring a big advertising firm.
But Here’s the Scoop: Social Media is Not for Everyone
Real talk? Social media isn’t for every single business owner out there.
If you’re in a niche industry or your customers aren’t hanging out on Instagram or LinkedIn, your time might be better spent elsewhere, like networking in industry groups or focusing on SEO.
A mentor of mine, Cindy Bidar…not on social media.
Yet she runs an extremely successful business through her membership and email lists.
The key is knowing your audience and where they spend their time.
So, there you have it.
Social media offers a ton of perks for businesses: it’s flexible, it’s cost-effective, and it really lets you engage with your audience.
But it’s not a cure-all. It’s about finding the right fit for your business goals and your customers.
If you are a business owner who struggles with social media, let’s chat.
I will show you exactly how I give business owners freedom by turning their social media chaos into a well-oiled machine.
P.S. If you do not have an intro or struggle with telling people what exactly your business is about, check out Paula Calise’s book, “The Art of Hello, Be Remembered In a Noisy World”. You won’t be sorry you did!
Change is one thing that’s certain when it comes to this game we call life.
Things never stay the same, whether it’s a positive change like a new relationship or a difficult one such as job loss, change can be frightening.
Pushing past the fear is something you can do, once you understand the reasons for it, how it can actually benefit you and ways to overcome it.
WHY am I scared of change?
I believe that the biggest reason we’re afraid of change is the fear of the unknown.
We feel safer in what we already know.
The unknown scares us for a lot of reasons.
One reason that this anxiousness is a protective measure.
See, our brains tell us that we can remain safe if we avoid what we don’t already know.
Another cause of this fear is the false belief that there is only ONE correct way, when in fact there are hundreds, even thousand of different options.
We need to tell our brains to zip it, because it won’t be disastrous if you make a “wrong choice”.
Self-doubt is another common reason that we avoid change.
You may think you’re not good or strong enough to get through whatever life is throwing at you.
That’s usually not the case, because you have, in fact made lots of adjustments in your life before now.
Benefits of Change
There are actually more benefits to change than not.
For one, the personal growth that times of change bring can be limitless.
You’ll learn so much about yourself and your capabilities during this time, along with gaining new skills.
Change also gives you the chance to examine your life and your core values.
It also leads to progress.
You can move forward and do better without things getting shaken up a little, but you’ll get more opportunities through these changes that you never would have had if you’d stayed the same.
And you’ll probably develop new personality traits like strength, resiliency and flexibility when you simply embrace change!
Once you begin to accept change instead of fighting it, you’ll find your world will open up a lot!
Getting Better at Dealing with Change
Change is happening at this very moment.
While change sounds daunting and negative, it’s important to learn to embrace it if you want to achieve more in life.
Embracing change provides you with the control you need to live a full and happier life.
Through every change in life, there is something valuable to learn.
These three tips will help you embrace and better cope with change to live a happier and stress-free life.
1.Take Time to Analyze the Changes
Allow yourself to pause for a minute so that you can recognize the changes.
Dealing with change doesn’t mean you ignore it or expect to embrace it right away or with a smile.
Feeling stress or sadness about what you once had is normal.
Taking the time to analyze it allows you to gain more control and find better tools and resources to get through it.
2.Focus on What You Can Control
Dwelling on what you should have done or what you wish would have happened doesn’t serve a purpose.
It just adds more stress, sadness, and confusion to your life.
Unfortunately, you don’t have control over everything in life, but that’s okay!
Change makes life beautiful and exciting.
Without it, you’d never get to experience things you truly love and admire.
I’ve always believed that without the bad days, we wouldn’t recognize and appreciate the good days.
3.Look for the Positive
Every change or difficult moment in life has a lesson to be learned.
As you analyze the change, find the lesson you need to learn.
Then, take time to reflect on your actions leading to this moment and find the positive.
Change opens you up to opportunities that can make your life more rewarding and successful.
Challenges are unavoidable in life. How you deal with them is what’s important.
By facing the tough times, you’ll gain a lot more than you ever expected and truly will become stronger.
Discover Your Strengths
With change comes adaptability.
We need to adapt in order to roll with the punches.
You’ll find that some of your greatest strengths come from figuring out how to handle the twist life has thrown your way.
Become More Feisty
A feisty person gets right back up when life knocks them down.
We usually have no choice but to keep going and not give up.
Change can truly show you your potential to bounce back.
Learn Something New
While it’s great to lean on your friends in times of trouble, there are also times that changes require you to learn something completely new to you.
Learning new skills or discovering unknown personality traits is almost always a blessing.
Instead of looking at a particular situation as a problem, it can help to view it as a learning opportunity.
Gain Self-Confidence
When you handle a big change like a boss, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Discovering just how strong, resilient, smart, innovative and creative you can be brings with it a shot of feel-good like nothing else can!
Reinvent Your Life Through Changes
Sometimes change requires us to completely reinvent our lives.
Out with the old, in with the new.
There are just some life events that are so big that they will never leave you the same.
And that can be okay.
When something happens that causes you to do a complete 360 without your consent, it can leave you feeling powerless.
You can totally turn that feeling around by considering the ways you can adapt to this change and make it work to your advantage.
Maybe a job loss can be the catalyst you needed to learn about that industry you’ve been obsessed with for years.
Or a breakup will force you to reevaluate the types of relationships you’ve chosen until now.
Unexpected change is often the kick in the pants we actually needed to live a more authentic life.
Big Changes Are New Beginnings – Get Excited
We’ve already established what you’ve probably known your whole life.
It’s true that change is a fact of life.
We cannot escape it.
Sometimes we’re given a choice in whether to make a shift in our lives.
Sometimes we’re blindsided and forced to do things differently.
Either way, the change usually comes with some pretty intense emotions.
Unfortunately, these feelings tend to be negative ones.
Fear, anxiety, anger, resentment and loss are commonly associated with life transitions.
There are some ways to take those gloomy emotions and channel them into excitement instead.
Reframe It
One of the best ways to go from bad feelings to more useful ones is to reframe your thoughts surrounding the emotions.
The way you think has a heavy influence on the way you feel.
If you take some time to find a way to put a more positive spin on a situation, you will likely start to feel better about it.
Visualize Success
Take some quiet time to sit with your eyes closed and imagine the desired outcome of your current dilemma.
Picture the activities you will be doing, the sights and smells around you and the people involved.
The more detailed, the more effective your visualization session will be because seeing what you want is an effective way to trick your brain into believing it’s already occurred.
Meditate or Breathe
If you need a quick tranquil effect in times of high anxiety, meditation or focused breathing can help.
The simple act of sitting in silence and focusing on your breath is enough to calm emotions that are running high.
Consider the Alternative
Think about what will happen if you don’t change.
Change CAN be scary, but life would be boring and stagnant if we avoided growth.
If you don’t move forward, take risks or overcome obstacles, you’ll never know your true potential or reach your dreams.
“Get busy living or get busy dying.”
Red, Shawshank Redemption
Essentially, fear and excitement are very closely related emotions.
A few tweaks can take you from the negative to a more positive rather quickly.
It’s really all about your attitude and mindset.
Change Can Be Stressful – Find Time To Relax
You know that change can cause stress, even when something good has caused the disruption.
These are the times that your body and mind need self-care more than ever.
Just a short break for your favorite television show can rejuvenate you and help to slow down the negative effects of stress.
Give some of your favorite techniques a try and see just how much easier it is to deal with difficulties in times of upheaval.
It Will Get Easier
Major life changes, even the good ones, can be scary, the unknown always is.
We get into a routine and fall into our comfort zones.
Many of us like to stay there; but change is an inevitable part of life no matter what steps you take to keep it to a minimum.
So, it just makes sense to deal with and get used to change.
Celebrate Your Victories and Successes
I truly believe that celebrating our successes is overlooked.
We get so focused on the finish line and the big prize that we forget to pat ourselves on the back for the little wins that help us reach our goals.
Celebrating Wins Help You Gain Perspective
Recognizing small victories gives you perspective on how far you’ve come.
You can feel proud of your accomplishment while looking back on the success you’ve had so far.
If you just keep going without noting and celebrating your mini-wins, you’re more likely to get burnt out and to not even notice how well you’re doing.
It’s okay to not be okay with change.
Feel your feelings, vent to your bestie, indulge in that extra scoop of ice cream – do whatever helps you process.
But remember, you’re not alone in this roller coaster ride.
We all deal with change in our own unique ways, and there’s no shame in that.
The key is to find what works for you.
And hey, if you need a reminder, remember that even though change can be a pain, it can also lead to amazing things.
New opportunities, personal growth, maybe even that dream job or apartment.
So as my Dad always tells me: chin up!
Take a deep breath, and know that whatever change you’re facing, you’ve got this!
Now go on and conquer your (slightly less scary) future!
Try putting a vase of fresh flowers in your office (this is also a visual – happy flowers make me happy!)
Or try room fresheners or diffusers with mood boosting scents like citrus or peppermint!
Simple, but effective changes can make all the difference!
2. Batching helps balance your workload and increases productivity
If you find yourself avoiding work, it’s important to understand why.
Life has its ups and downs and those can influence your productivity.
If there’s not a specific reason that’s affecting your workflow, it could be you’re simply overwhelmed and spread too thin.
One of the reasons people dread working is the sense they can never complete a task entirely before the next one is looming.
Jumping from one task to another, hoping to get it all done day after day is exhausting and can lead to burn out.
A remedy for the madness of non-productivity is batching.
Batching is an idea that helps you gain control of your workload and intentionally design your work week and your workflow.
Batching helps you control your productivity
If you ask most people, they’ll tell you they dread Mondays when they know there’s a week’s worth of work waiting for them.
Wouldn’t it be better to have a clear schedule starting on Friday and lasting into the next week?
Batching makes it more likely you’ll hit Monday with fewer commitments and looming work projects.
It helps structure your work week into a manageable pattern, allowing you to group activities and projects and assign them to specific days and times of the week.
This is an awesome way to gain control of your work week, workload and improve your productivity!
Personal Tip: Batching personal commitments is just as helpful as batching your workload.
I find that it helps to assign one day per week for activities like doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or other activities.
This helps me eliminate having appointments spread throughout the week, taking up chunks of the time I need to be productive.
3. Trick your brain into being productive by setting a timer
Sometimes, half the battle is getting started.
If you feel burned out and struggle with the thought of working, the urge to avoid it altogether can be strong enough to make you procrastinate.
Putting things off can lead to missed deadlines and falling short on your commitments which only adds to the stress you’re already under.
If your tasks feel daunting or distasteful, your brain may magnify the potential discomfort causing you to avoid the tasks, but usually, once you get started, it’s easier than you thought.
So how can you trick your brain into doing the work?
Try this: Give yourself the freedom to dodge those long hours spent tackling a not-so-fun task by setting a timer for a quick 30-minute burst of focused work, and see how it magically amps up your productivity!
This is what I do.
When my timer goes off, I get up.
Whether it’s to do a household chore or grab another cup of coffee, I make myself to get up and move.
Then I sit back down and get back to getting stuff done.
You will find that once you gain momentum working, you’ll likely want to keep going as your brain becomes engaged in your work.
4. Create a reward that motivates you to get stuff done
If you’ve ever participated in a rewards program, you know how motivating they can be.
If you are seasoned coffee drinker like me, your favorite coffee shop probably has a rewards program.
Collecting points towards a free coffee to get a tenth for free is a great strategy to keep you coming back for more.
And hey, it works!
You can incentivize yourself to be more productive in a similar way.
A rewards system that motivates you to work is a great way to maximize your time.
Here are a couple of ideas:
Create a pre-work reward
Why not start the day off on a positive note with a treat that motivates and energizes you for work.
From a stop at your favorite coffee shop or a good pre-work run, engage in an activity that you love before you begin your work day.
Build a mini-rewards system throughout the day
One of the reasons people feel burned out and don’t want to work is that they are running themselves into the ground.
Everyone deserves and needs a good break.
Give yourself mini rewards throughout the day and decide on a time to step away from work to enjoy them.
From reading a chapter of a good book, grabbing a nutritious lunch, or watching a few minutes of a favorite show, give yourself something to look forward to and work towards throughout the day.
When I stop for lunch, I’ll either grab a book or turn on the TV.
Just make sure you don’t get so engrossed in that book or show that you don’t go back to work.
Not, mind you, that I’VE EVER done that. (Imagine the eyeroll here). HAHA
Develop a post-work reward
Give yourself an incentive to be productive by having something positive to look forward to at the end of the day.
If you simply move from working to chores, it can leave you feeling exhausted and resentful.
Try building in a transition between your working day and evening chores that allows you to do something enjoyable and boosts your mood and energy before switching gears.
Spark you productivity with big rewards
From a weekend getaway to a shopping spree, building a reward into your weekly, monthly, and annual schedule can help you stay focused and be more productive.
Planning a vacation can help motivate you to earn extra money or get projects done early to make time for your trip.
Having bigger ticket rewards in the future can help you stay focused when the daily grind weighs you down.
5. Divide and conquer- breaking tasks up helps you stay productive
If you don’t control your work day and workflow, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by texts, phone calls, emails, and other interruptions each time they pop up.
When you think about it, it’s pretty easy to reframe your tasks and make them work for you instead of against you.
Breaking things up and consolidating your time can help.
Here are some simple ways to divide your day and conquer your tasks.
Designate time for your tasks and don’t deviate from them.
Determine what time of day you want to devote to certain tasks like email, voice mail, etc…
You can use autoresponders or a detailed voice message that shares when you review your messages and return emails or calls.
Train yourself to focus on these tasks only during the designated time.
Here’s a productivity tip I use: Turn off alerts so you aren’t interrupted during the workday. Only pay attention to your email, voice mail, and texts during your designated times. My family and friends have specific ringtones so I know if it is them calling me. And they know if I don’t respond, I am working and will get back to them.
Batch tasks into manageable chunks
Rather than doing the same thing every day for a little while, consolidate tasks into a once-per-week activity.
Where you can, batch tasks and designate a day and time to focus on them rather than taking up valuable time throughout the week.
Instead of reacting to tasks as they pop up, gain control of your day and organize it in your favor.
It will help you feel more productive and less like working in a pinball machine.
Remember, productivity is not just about crossing items off your task list; it’s about enjoying the journey.
So, embrace the fun side of getting stuff done, and let each accomplishment be a celebration of your small business victories.
If you’re looking for more…I’ve shared some other productivity tips here !
P.S. Share your craziest (but most effective) productivity hacks in the comments below! Let’s build a community of hustlers who know that getting things done can be as fun as a squirrel chasing its tail (especially if there’s coffee involved)!
If you are anything like me, you tend to get so laser-focused on growing your business that you forget that the sun sets in other colors besides “inbox blue” and that you need to take time to live your dash.
Yeah, been there.
Worn that sleep-deprived T-shirt.
Drank the gallons of coffee.
Listen, your amazing business needs you to recharge.
To remind yourself you’re not just a CEO, you’re a human with a dash to live!
Life is not a to-do list.
But I get it.
Surrounded by stacks of papers, inbox overflowing, while the sun outside is coaxing you with whispers of adventures!
You glance at your watch, then back at the never-ending list of tasks, that familiar sigh escaping your lips.
“Just one more email,” you tell yourself, “then I’ll…”
But let’s be honest, that “then” typically doesn’t come.
We let ourselves get swept up into the whirlwind of getting things done.
Bogged down by endless to-do lists.
Forgetting that life is more than just ticking boxes.
It is a vibrant, chaotic dash between two dates on a tombstone.
We all have one, this precious hyphen marking the beginning and end of our journey.
But how often do we truly live that dash?
How often do we trade the fluorescent-lit grind for the vibrant hues of sunsets?
How often do we prioritize passion over those pending emails?
Purpose over those beautiful spreadsheets?
The truth is, most of us don’t.
We’re conditioned to chase productivity, to equate busyness with worth.
Sometimes, the most important strokes are the ones left blank.
The spaces we create for spontaneous picnics.
Sunset drinks with friends.
Or maybe simply doing absolutely nothing but breathing the fresh air.
Studies back this up.
Research by the University of California, Berkeley suggests that pursuing our passions and not just achieving goals, leads to greater well-being.
And a Harvard study showed that taking regular breaks actually boosts focus and creativity.
So, putting down the to-do list and chasing that long-forgotten dream is not a self-indulgence.
It is an investment in ourselves, in our happiness, and in living a life that’s truly worth remembering.
But where do we start?
How do we trade that familiar, addicting buzz of deadlines for the thrilling uncertainty of passion?
It is not about quitting your job tomorrow (unless you truly hate it, then maybe do that).
But instead, it is about taking small steps.
Carving out moments in your day, your week, your life, for the things that make your soul happy.
Sign up for that pottery class you have been eyeing.
Dust off your guitar and serenade the moon (even if it is off-key).
Plan a weekend trip to that hidden waterfall you read about.
Take a walk in the park and let your mind wander like a carefree butterfly.
It does not matter what it is.
As long as it ignites a spark within you, as long as it whispers, “This is why I’m here. This is how I want to live my dash.”
Life is not a to-do list.
It is a canvas.
A kaleidoscope of possibilities waiting to be explored.
So, grab your paintbrush, pick your colors, and start creating.
What adventures will you paint on your dash?
What passions will you splash across the sky?
Remember, every blank space is an invitation.
Every moment is a chance to make your life a masterpiece, not a checklist.
So, what will you do today to live your dash?
To paint your life with the vibrant colors of purpose and passion?
Share your dreams, your adventures, your anything-but-ordinary moments in the comments below!
Or send me a message, I’ll help encourage you to live our dashes to the fullest!
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