Who’s in control? You or your business?

Have you ever asked yourself, “Who’s in control?” when it comes to running your business? Do you find that you are overwhelmed by your project tasks and don’t know where to turn? Does it feel like your business has a remote control on you and that you have lost self-control? Then, let’s take time now to determine “Who’s in control?”. If you aren’t in control then let’s figure out how to help you get control back from you business.

I know it may sound a little funny saying that your business can control you, but it can if you let it. If you can answer “Yes” to any of the following questions then you just might be in danger of your business taking control.

• Do you find that you are working to the early hours of the morning and getting less than 6 hours of sleep?
• Do you have lists that manage other lists that manage even more lists to help keep your tasks organized?
• Working through breaks and lunch is an every day occurrence. You do it so much that you have forgotten that you need to take them.
• Your friends and family have almost forgotten how you look or that you are even part of the family.
• If you have a home office, that you are in it more than any other room in your home.

How did you score? See below:

• If you answered “Yes” to 1 – 2 questions then it would be a good idea for you to track your time and check to see how you can make changes to your business habits. It could bring welcomed relief to you, your family, and your business. Starting with small things like planning in breaks during your day can bring the welcomed relief you desire.
• If you answered “Yes” to 3 – 4 questions then you have cause to be concerned. You should really think about making some changes to your schedule and adding “me” time or “family” time in on your calendar. Don’t be afraid to introduce “down-time” into your schedule because it could make a big difference in how you run your business. One thing that I do is pick 1 or 2 evenings per week where I don’t do business but I rest, relax, and release. I might sit and read a book or watch my taped show or just spend time with family or friends.
• If you answered “Yes” to all 5 questions then you are passed concern and should be alarmed. Your family and friend want you to return to them and start spending time with them as you grow your business. It’s important that you keep balance in all areas of your life as you grow your business. An unbalanced life could lead to burn-out or an even worst situation. Take an assessment of you and your business to see what you can change to make things better. If you are working this hard then maybe it’s time for you to hire an assistant or outsource some of your tasks to free up your time. If you can’t afford to do either of these, then be creative and think outside of the box. There are actual bartering groups who have local or online memberships for trading services or products.

I would love to hear the about your results and what you plan to do to take control back. Just to let you know, I was in the range of 3 -4 questions that I answered “Yes” to. Guess what I need to do…”LIFE CHANGES” so that I can be in control and not my business.

Image courtesy of www.SXC.hu