May 2021 - (Balance)

How do you know when you've got the right life balance for you? A good barometer for me is whether I have anything left in the proverbial petrol tank. If I'm running on empty, I haven't been listening. If I'm feeling energetic, present, and alert, I have balance. With a welcomed return to travel, lunch dates, and the temptation to do more than is humanly sustainable, it's easy for business owners to become overwhelmed and out of balance. Many entrepreneurs share their stories with me, both their moments of triumph and challenge. This gives me a bird's eye view of some themes that can cause many business owners to be out of balance and then less effective than they otherwise could be. These are my top three recurring themes to be mindful of to help keep you in balance -

1) You're doing too much of the right thing.

The first reason you could be out of balance, especially if you're passionate and engaged in your work is that when you love what you do, you do too much of it. "Yes I know, that email could wait until Monday, I'll just do it now, and then this one, and this one..." It's very easy to do too much of something you enjoy. It's easier to perceive this when you're eating cake or watching too much Netflix, harder when it's considered something productive. Rest is productive too!

2) You're too useful.

Most business owners I meet, like to solve problems. Being solution-focused is useful but too much of this means you'll try to solve every problem presented before you and help every person you meet. The problem is that there's a lot of problems, and people, and only one of you. If you constantly give without refilling your own tank, fatigue will be the inevitable result. Give but not too much otherwise you won't be able to give at all.

3) You're not doing enough of the right thing.

You went into business to do X but you spend all your time doing Y. If X is your passion and Y is something someone else could enjoy, perhaps more than you, there's a balance to be considered. 

The more you're aware of these three ways of being, the more balance you may find. Remember that your balance is completely unique to you. Everyone is completely different in this way. Find a pattern that feels balanced and works for you. 

A huge thank you to all our trusted clients, partners, friends, and the Mantra Family across the globe. You're all appreciated beyond measure,

Warmest,

Johnny

P.s - How does purpose add true value to your business? We've partnered with Sheffield Hallam University, our friends at Mantle, and guest speaker Dave Clarkson from Investors In Community to help answer this question on the 10th of June through conversation, networking, and knowledge share. You can sign up by clicking here!