Balancing Work: Revenue That Keeps the Lights On vs. Heart-Fueled Revenue

Do you ever wonder about the kind of work you should do? There’s work that pays the bills, and then there’s work that makes you happy. We call these two types of revenue: the kind that keeps the lights on and the kind that keeps your heart on.

I don’t believe in the saying, “Do what you love, and the money will come.” Instead, I think you should do what you’re good at. When you add value to other people’s lives, the world will reward you. This doesn’t mean you should do work that makes you unhappy. It means you should work where you add the most value.

In our work, we tell our clients to focus on getting three things right:

• Right Client
• Right Value Proposition
• Right Exchange of Value or Right Price

These frameworks help us keep the lights on without doing too much work we don’t like.

I recently asked a client what her ratio of work that keeps the lights on versus keeps the heart on was. She decided she wanted only 10% of her work to be just for keeping the lights on. In my business, 30% of my work keeps the lights on, and the rest fuels my heart.

Here’s the key: work that keeps the heart on must also keep the lights on. Start with work that adds value to others. Over time, you’ll grow to love this work, and it will become heart work.

We all have some work that just keeps the lights on, but it’s important to set boundaries. For example, by the end of 2024, I aim to have only 10% of my work just to keep the lights on, and the rest will keep my heart on.

Find the Right Client

To do work that keeps both the lights and your heart on, you need the right clients. These are the people who value what you do and are willing to pay for it. When you work with the right clients, you’re more likely to enjoy your work and feel appreciated.

Offer the Right Value

Next, think about what value you bring to your clients. This means understanding what they need and how you can help them. When you provide real value, your clients will keep coming back, and you’ll feel good about the work you do.

Set the Right Price

Finally, set the right price for your work. This means charging enough to keep your lights on but also making sure your clients feel they are getting good value. When you find the right balance, both you and your clients will be happy.

Action Steps to Balance Your Work

• Analyze Your Work: Look at the work you do. What percentage keeps the lights on, and what percentage keeps your heart on?
• Set Goals: Decide what balance you want. Maybe you want 90% of your work to keep your heart on and only 10% to keep the lights on.
• Find the Right Clients: Seek out clients who value what you do and make work enjoyable.
• Add Value: Always look for ways to add value to your clients. This will make your work more fulfilling.
• Adjust Your Pricing: Make sure your prices reflect the value you provide and allow you to enjoy your work.

Takeaway

Finding the balance between work that keeps the lights on and work that keeps your heart on is key to a happy and successful career. By focusing on the right clients, adding value, and setting the right prices, you can ensure that most of your work fuels your passion.

Conclusion

Think about your work. What percentage keeps the lights on, and what percentage keeps your heart on? Set a goal to balance this ratio in a way that makes you happy. By doing so, you’ll find that work not only pays the bills but also brings joy and satisfaction to your life.

Hope this helps!