The concept of success is a bit of a bittersweet one. Granted, when we hear the word success, we automatically think of positivity, or an accomplishment, and these traits typically are what success embodies.
What many people fail to remember when it comes to success, however, are the sacrifices and obstacles that were overcome in order to reach it.
I once heard an expression, and if my memory serves me correctly, I believe it was from a movie. Can I tell you the name of the film? Sadly, my mind is not that reliable, apparently. But, I do recall the statement, and it was something along the lines of anything worth fighting for isn’t easy, and speaking from experience, I can agree with this ideology, and I imagine many other people can, too.
Any type of success comes with its setbacks, in my own opinion. If success is attainable without much effort, I’m not exactly sure I would consider it a success. In my mind, triumph comes from fighting an exerting battle, whether that exertion is physical, mental, emotional, or something else, and without the challenge, the victory doesn’t seem as sweet.
As much as most of us would like to achieve some sort of success in our lives, I’m not entirely sure the majority of folks understand the undertaking involved in order to be victorious. With that undertaking comes struggles in all sorts of forms, and if we aren’t prepared to face these setbacks ahead of time, the chances of being successful are diminished.
Being successful requires some, if not a lot of advanced planning. As an example, consider operating a business. If someone were to spontaneously start a business without any inclination as to what is involved in beginning and sustaining a business, the operation likely would not be in existence for too long.
Here are some helpful tips for ensuring success without having to surrender.
“1. Delegate Like a Boss
First rule of Business Club: You do not have to do everything yourself. Second rule of Business Club: You DO NOT have to do everything yourself! Find trustworthy team members or freelancers who can take tasks off your plate. Delegating isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strategy for strength. And let’s be honest, it’s also a tiny bit thrilling to hand off tasks and watch your day clear up.
“2. Insure Your Company for Peace of Mind
In the whirlwind of day-to-day business, don’t forget to shield yourself from unexpected gusts. General liability insurance is a must-have. It’s like an invisible force field that protects you from third-party claims of injury or property damage. With this in place, you can focus on running your empire, not dodging legal bullets. Think of it as your business’s personal bodyguard.
“3. Automate the Mundane
If technology can do it, let technology handle it. Whether it’s scheduling social media posts, sorting emails, or tracking customer orders, there’s a tool out there that can automate these processes for you. This frees up more of your time to focus on growth and innovation—or hey, even some much-deserved downtime. Embrace the bots; they’re here to help!
“4. Set Boundaries Like a Queen
Set clear work-life boundaries. Decide when you will and won’t be available for business calls and emails, and stick to it. Having a cut-off time helps prevent burnout and keeps you from resenting your own business. Remember, being ‘on’ all the time doesn’t make you a hero, it makes you tired.
“5. Prioritize Your Health
You’re the captain of this ship, and a captain needs to be in tip-top shape. Prioritize your physical and mental health. This means regular exercise, a decent diet, and yes, that forbidden concept: relaxation. Also, getting enough sleep isn’t lazy, it’s essential. A well-rested entrepreneur is a sharp and efficient entrepreneur.
“6. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Just like a car, your business and your personal well-being need regular check-ins. Set aside time each week to review what’s working and what isn’t, both in your business operations and your personal management strategies. These check-ins can help you adjust course before small issues become titanic problems.
“7. Learn to Say No
This might be the hardest thing for you to learn how to do, but it can also be the most liberating. You see, not every opportunity that comes your way is worth pursuing, not when you weigh up the financial benefits, the profile it will give you, and how it will make you feel. If it doesn’t align with your goals or make you feel great, it’s totally cool to say NO!
By following these tips, you can keep both your business and your sanity thriving. Remember, running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, protect yourself, and above all, enjoy the journey. Now, go forth and conquer (responsibly)!”
Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash
ontheedgeofeverything 