Odds are that you have a toxic and unhealthy relationship with your business -- a real love-hate relationship. If so, my professional coaching advice is to consider a divorce from your business or at the very least, ask for a separation.
As a business coach for over 16 years, this is just a little of my tough-love advice. I want you, and all entrepreneurs for that matter, to put some emotional, physical, mental and spiritual distance between you and your business. Why? It’s healthier for you, your employees, customers and the business.
If you don’t have a certain level of professional disengagement, you will always remain a prisoner to your business, lost in the details, perpetually exhausted, and eventually burnt out. You can not be at the very center of your business touching every transaction, solving every problem and making every decision. Your business is taking advantage of you and quite frankly, abusing you. You are not without blame – you have been enabling this dysfunctional relationship for years and paying a huge price.
What’s a better way? Your ultimate business goal should be to design a highly profitable business that runs smoothly, predictably and automatically whether you are there or not, is enjoyable to run it while you own it, and worth a fortune when you sell it. Are you there yet? Is that the relationship you have with your company?
If not, start learning to let go. Start separating from your business. You need some space and time to think and act at a much higher, strategic level. You must realize that you are not your business and your business is not you. In order to build a business that functions without you (systems dependent), you need to think of yourself as separate from the business. Your business should be viewed as a distinct asset you manage and grow. Start to see your business as a means to an end, a vehicle to help you create greater wealth, fulfillment, and freedom in your life.
To escape the technical trenches and overwhelming details of your business, you cannot be emotionally welded to the business. You must have your own identity and not get lost in your relationship with the business. You are a worthwhile human being with or without your business. Do not let your ego, self-worth and self-esteem be tied up solely in the business. Your value and worth as a human being are separate from the value of your business. The business is but one facet of your life. While it is an important component of your life, it is not the end all and be all. It should not fully define who you are. If it is, you are way too close and in too deep – time to get a separation!
You must not take your business too seriously. Odds are you are not curing cancer. So here is a loud, wake-up call. While whatever you are doing is important, it is not more important than your family, your friends, your health, your faith, your fulfillment and your joy in life. For example, the time, attention, and love you share with your spouse, family, kids or friends are much more important to them than your title, business, prestige and money. While you can always make more money, you cannot make more time or replay your life. You do not get another chance to be a spouse, parent, friend, or member of your community. This is not a dress rehearsal. Get your priorities in order now! Begin the separation process from your business.
Daniel Murphy
The Growth Coach
Business Coaching Franchise System