Work ON Your Business, Not Just IN It (Because You’re More Than a Busy Bee!)
If you’re a business owner right now, your daily life might look something like this: answering emails at lightning speed, putting out fires like a caffeine-fueled firefighter, and occasionally wondering if you should rename your desk “Mount Chaos.” Sound familiar? Congratulations! You’re working IN your business.
But here’s the thing — if all you ever do is work IN your business, it might start feeling like you’re on a hamster wheel… except the wheel is on fire and the hamster has zero breaks. (Trust me, I’ve been there.)
Enter: Working ON your business.
What’s that? It’s the magical mindset shift from “I’m fixing things RIGHT NOW” to “Hmm, what can I build so I don’t always have to fix things?”
How To Work ON Your Business Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Sense of Humor)
1. Schedule “Me & My Business” Dates
Nope, no swiping on a dating app—just some quality time with your business. Treat your business like a flaky friend: schedule dates, show up on time, and actually listen to what it needs. You could even grab a coffee and brainstorm ideas instead of worrying about your inbox. (Pro tip: No checking emails during this time, unless you want your ‘date’ to ghost you.)
2. Create Repeatable Magic (aka Systems)
If you’re doing the same things every day — answering the same questions, sending the same emails — it’s time to build systems. Think of it like teaching a parrot your daily script. Soon enough, your “parrot” (or team member) can squawk out the answers while you binge-watch your favorite show guilt-free.
3. Think Bigger, Like Jedi-Level Big
Pretend you’re a business Yoda: “Grow, you must.” Ask yourself where your business can be in a year, or three, or five. Will you conquer new markets, launch new products, or maybe hire a minion or two? (Minions optional, but highly recommended.) Then plan to make it happen — even if your mind tries to remind you there’s coffee to drink and fires to put out.
4. Empower Your Team (Or Your Future Team)
Even if it’s just you right now, invest in learning new skills or dreaming up roles you’ll fill soon. Superheroes don’t save the world alone—and neither should business owners. Your future team is your secret weapon against burnout.
5. Keep Score — But Don’t Stress
Set simple goals and keep an eye on what matters. Think of it like tracking your fantasy football team, but for your business numbers. If the score isn’t in your favor, tweak the game plan — but don’t panic or blame the referee (spoiler: it’s usually not them).
The Big Takeaway:
Working IN your business is like running on a treadmill set to “extreme chaos.” You’re moving, sure, but you’re not going anywhere new. Working ON your business? That’s like strapping on rollerblades and skating straight to your dream goals.
So, take a breath. Put down the fire extinguisher. And be the boss who builds the empire — not just the day-to-day hustle.