Ask an Anchor: Business Advice Column
/Hi, Sarah (and guest anchors),
Do any of you ever feel like you're just not doing enough?
I currently work a full-time job while also building my freelancing business. I get so guilty when I try to do 'nothing' and relax. At the same time, I know I'm doing a lot, working so much, building my own business from the ground up… and I guess I just feel like I should be farther along.
I'm also in the process of building an app but I don't even know where to start in terms of the actual app, I've just sketched it out and started a plan for it. I’m doing so much that I often feel very disconnected from myself, and then if I try to take a break I feel disconnected from my work -- ugh!
I have to remind myself that a year ago I only had 1 client and no job, and now I have a full-time job and close to 10 clients. Sometimes it's just hard to stop, look, reflect, and be proud of myself for where I am.
Thanks for your time, it is so very appreciated!
Disconnected and Overwhelmed
Disconnected & Overwhelmed,
Your work will always be a marathon, so let's play with that metaphor. Marathon runners train for months or years before they actually DO the marathon. Even then, the actual running of 26.2 miles is usually only done once or, at most, a few times a year. I know there are ultramarathon runners out there, but most normal people can't (or don’t want to) maintain that kind of distance every week (or train to be an “expert” in multiple sports). If they push too hard too often, they will get hurt, burnt out ... do you see where I'm going with this?
Successful runners create very specific goals for themselves: Is it about maintaining their weight? Having a goal to keep them in the habit of running? Decreasing their time? Improving their form without regard to time? And more.
Next, they whittle down that list of goals into something manageable, even if it’s still challenging. If All of those good goals are left on the to-do list, they pile up and could derail the whole endeavor. Very few runners succeed if ALL of those goals are on the table. The best runners plan out their training meticulously with cross-training, coaches, accountability partners, and even raise money to keep themselves honest.
To rest as a runner is essential. To rest as a business owner is essential. It's the same formula. And it doesn't mean your goals can't be lofty and push you to exhaustion -- I love those goals and have them myself. But it’s essential to know WHY you're racing toward that goal and that you can’t/shouldn’t do it all. Prioritize the rest and you’ll be happier in your pursuit.
Before going any farther - give yourself a big pat on the back. You are truly doing ALL THE THINGS. I know that I wouldn’t be able to maintain a fulltime job and clients outside of that. When I was working at a tech company on their marketing team, I would collapse at the end of the day. I remember feeling like I should be doing more, but I’ve always been at the mercy of my own exhaustion. Even now working “for myself,” I meet the end of the day with little space to do more than what I did in the daytime. Take a look at my post about collaboration, as well. I think it’ll give you some good food for thought in regards to adjusting expectations and being honest with yourself about what you want.
And to answer your question, “Do any of you ever feel like you're just not doing enough?” YES. Always. But this is dictated by comparison. I’ve found that getting specific about what I’m doing (knowing why and how, and all that) helps me avoid regularly looking at others and getting discouraged. Some good questions to ask yourself:
Do you know what you want and what’s motivating you?
Are you making your goals achievable by accident, or does that anxiety motivate you?
What is your true end goal?
If all your goals connect to eventually working for yourself, I'm not sure you'll feel further along until you can leap into your business full-time. I'm not telling you to do this without regard to external factors like your financial obligations. By no means. I’m asking you to look at what you're doing and figure out if your time at your full-time gig is getting in the way of you excelling at your business.
Can’t wait to hear how things shake out for you.
Sarah
