Are You Really Stuck or Just Lacking Discipline in Your Business?
Ever feel like you're hitting a wall in your business? Like you're creatively stuck or lacking a clear plan? Hear me out: it might not be a lack of creativity or planning that’s holding you back. It could be (don’t hate me) a lack of discipline.
When you’re running a small business, especially in the early stages, you have to wear all the hats. And until you can afford to outsource those responsibilities to other experts, they all fall to you.
The Many Hats of a Small Business Owner
To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down the various roles you have to manage:
- Marketing - YOU: Creating content, running social media campaigns, SEO, email marketing, and networking.
- Finances - YOU: Managing budgets, bookkeeping, invoicing, financial forecasting, and taxes.
- Admin - YOU: Scheduling, organizing documents, customer service, and maintaining records.
- Operations and Systems - YOU: Streamlining processes, ensuring productivity, managing supplies, and quality control.
- Calendar and Emails - YOU: Keeping track of appointments, managing emails, and coordinating with clients or partners.
- Tech and Automations - YOU: Setting up and maintaining your website, CRM systems, and other tech tools.
- Content and Planning - YOU: Developing content strategies, planning launches, and setting business goals.
The Challenge of Wearing All the Hats
The real challenge comes when we spend too much time only doing the work we want to do. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and creative aspects of the business—those parts that originally inspired you to start your own venture. However, by focusing solely on these enjoyable tasks, we often leave the 'boring' but essential tasks to the side.
The Importance of the 'Boring' Stuff
Here’s the thing: the boring stuff holds the key to growth—both personal and financial growth, which ultimately leads to business success. Ignoring these tasks can create bottlenecks that impede your progress and growth. For example, neglecting your finances can lead to cash flow problems, while ignoring your marketing efforts can result in a lack of new customers.
Time to Check In
So, this is your reminder to check in with yourself and ask: "Am I stalling because I don't know the answer, or because I'm finding this work boring?"
If the answer is the former—Google it! We live in an age where information is at our fingertips. There are countless resources available, from blogs and articles to online courses and forums, where you can find answers to most of your business questions.
If it’s the latter—if you’re avoiding tasks because they’re boring—it’s time to bring some discipline into the mix.
Here’s how you can do it:
Treat Your Work Like You Would as an Employee
When you’re an employee, you don’t have the luxury of only doing the tasks you enjoy. You have responsibilities and deadlines, and you need to find a way to get the work done. Adopting this mindset as a business owner can help you tackle those less exciting tasks.
Tips for Increasing Discipline in Your Business
1. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines: Establish specific, measurable goals for each aspect of your business and set deadlines to keep yourself accountable. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them less daunting.
2. Create a Schedule: Dedicate specific times of the day or week to focus on different areas of your business. Having a routine can help you stay organized and ensure that all aspects of your business get the attention they need.
3. Prioritize Tasks: Use a prioritization method, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to determine which tasks are urgent and important. This will help you focus on what needs to be done first and avoid procrastination.
4. Limit Distractions: Identify the distractions that are most likely to pull you away from your work and find ways to minimize them. This might involve setting boundaries with family or friends during work hours, turning off notifications, or creating a dedicated workspace.
5. Reward Yourself: Implement a reward system to motivate yourself. After completing a challenging or boring task, treat yourself to something enjoyable, like a walk, a favorite snack, or a short break.
6. Stay Accountable: Share your goals and progress with a friend, mentor, or business coach. Having someone to check in with can provide extra motivation and keep you accountable.
Building a Team for the Future
Remember, it won’t always just be you! One day, you’ll have a team (if that’s a goal of yours) and you can focus on the aspects of the business that you love. However, until that day comes, it’s crucial to develop the discipline needed to handle all aspects of your business.
Embrace Continuous Learning
Another essential aspect of running a successful business is embracing continuous learning. The business landscape is always evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and strategies can give you a competitive edge. This includes:
- Industry Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and changes in your industry. This can help you adapt your strategies and stay relevant.
- New Technologies: Be open to learning about new technologies and tools that can streamline your operations and make your business more efficient.
- Professional Development: Invest in your professional development by attending workshops, webinars, and conferences. Networking with other professionals can also provide valuable insights and opportunities.
The Role of Passion and Perseverance
While discipline is essential, passion and perseverance are equally important. Your passion for your business is what fuels your drive and keeps you going, even when faced with challenges. Perseverance, on the other hand, helps you push through obstacles and stay committed to your goals.
Finding Balance
It’s also important to find a balance between discipline and self-care. Running a business can be demanding, and burnout is a real risk if you don’t take care of yourself. Here are a few tips to maintain a healthy balance:
- Take Breaks: Regular breaks throughout the day can help you recharge and stay productive. Even a short walk or a few minutes of stretching can make a big difference.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. This might involve setting specific work hours and sticking to them, or creating a dedicated workspace that you can leave at the end of the day.
- Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities that help you relax and unwind, whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.
Celebrating Your Wins
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Acknowledging your accomplishments can boost your motivation and remind you of the progress you’ve made. This can be as simple as taking a moment to reflect on what you’ve achieved or treating yourself to something special.
In summary, feeling stuck in your business often boils down to a lack of discipline rather than a lack of creativity or planning. By adopting a disciplined approach, treating your work like you would as an employee, and embracing continuous learning, you can overcome the challenges and move towards your overall vision. Remember, it’s okay to bring some discipline into the mix. After all, that’s the only way you’re going to progress and achieve your goals. And one day, when you have a team to support you, you’ll be able to focus on the aspects of your business that you truly love. Until then, keep pushing forward, stay disciplined, and celebrate your wins along the way.
