How much baggage are you carrying? Have you created a business that looks just like the corporate world that you escaped from? When I was dreaming of going out on my own, I envisioned having time and freedom to do whatever I wanted. It may seem silly now, but I didn't consider how much money I wanted to make. All I really wanted was to have time for myself. You see, I was in IT for over 15 years and during that time I worked weekends, nights and holidays. I was one of those people who could be relied on to drop everything and give her all for the team.
As the years passed, I realized that though I was giving my all, my paycheck wasn't reflecting it. Not mention that I was frequently sick and had little or no social life - other than the occasional Happy Hour. Not that drinking cheap drinks at a chain restaurant is such a happy event.
What I never considered was that I would end up recreating my work life in my business - long hours, low pay and the occasional Happy Hour. Most of my friends in business do the same thing, so why would I think it anything was wrong?
Yes, when you get started it does require work and often much longer hours than the regular 9-to-5. But sitting at a desk all day and all night is not productive if it does not bring you any income. Back in my job, I was used to just spending hours at the desk, whether my work was productive or not. So, I simply recreated that world. It took me the longest time to feel okay about running errands or doing chores during "work hours." However, I couldn't blame my work environment for keeping me confined - I'd done it to myself.
Recently my coach asked me what I'd really rather be focusing on in my business. I answered, "If it was up to me..." She said, "It IS up to you!" That really hit me.
It was up to me to decide - but in my mind I was still the employee waiting to be told what to do next. I've often heard that starting a business will bring up all sorts of issues inside of a person. You will discover things about yourself that you never realized was there. I totally agree. It does bring up stuff. Though some of it can be hard to look at, it's necessary. If you're struggling to find that freedom you thought you'd have in your business, drop that baggage and free your mind first.
About the Author:
Transition coach and radio host Deborah A. Bailey is a sought after expert to discuss today's most pressing workplace issues. Deborah helps her clients transition from employees to entrepreneurs as they eliminate limiting beliefs and connect with their passion.
After several years with various companies such as AT&T, Lucent and Johnson & Johnson, Deborah Bailey successfully transitioned to career consultant and coach by founding her company Deb Bailey Coaching (a division of DBC Communications, LLC). Her extensive experience in the employee to entrepreneur transition has made her the partner of choice for many successful entrepreneurs and career professionals. Deborah is the host of the internet radio show, "Women Entrepreneurs - The Secrets of Success"
For more information about Deborah, visit her website http://www.dbaileycoach.com
As we get ready for the climax of the NCAA Division I College Basketball Champions, better known as the Men’s & Women’s Final Four, now is a great time to look at the two tournaments as they have progress so far and reflect on a common sports analogy, playing to win versus playing not to lose.
Playing to win means taking advantage of opportunities and taking chances that could help you increase your standing, whether you are ahead or behind. Playing not to lose means focusing on the safe distance between you and you opponent, trying to slowly widen the gap in your favor and not allow team momentum to switch.
Playing to win brings excitement and drama to a game. Playing not to lose slows down the experience for everyone.
Playing to win means leaving everything you came into the build with on the court, whether you ultimately win or lose, and know that you couldn’t have possible pushed out any more effort. Playing not to lose will leave you wondering if you couldn’t have scored more, achieved more, produced more, whether you ultimately win or lose, and leaves you with a what if feeling.
Warriors and heroes play to win, and live with the consequence. Bureaucrats and politicians play not to lose, and have to defend the consequences.
Do you live your life with a sense of adventure? Do you push yourself to your personal limits everyday to see just how far and how fast and how long you can go?
Do you live your life questioning the motives of others? Do you guard yourself and your positions and your possessions against any sort of loss?
Are you playing to win in life, or just playing not to lose?
Welcome to my new blog. This is where I will chronicle the next phase of mis-adventures of my life. Thank you for staying on the ride, and for you newcomers to the inside of my mental mania, I will do my best to make sure the trip is both entertaining and educational.
Life In Fast Forward: The Blog is still a bit of a work in progress. Keep checking in for new posts and site updates.
About Blog
This blog supports some of the thoughts and interjections from the folks at Fast Forward Business Properties. Our ideas, things we test, and a few random thoughts will show up here.
Name: J. Cleveland Payne
Home: Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
About Me: News is my profession, so it only fits that I am a news junkie. I'm a radio show/segment producer for a news/talk radio station in Little Rock, Arkansas.
