by winston » Sat Jul 04, 2015 7:56 pm
How to build a “freedom machine” by Glen
The #1 complaint I hear from most new internet entrepreneurs is that their online business feels more like a JOB than a producing asset.
Many of them quit their day jobs with high hopes of living the dream, traveling the world, working whenever and wherever they want…
Yet the reality is, most are working longer hours and WAAAY harder than ever before.
Don’t get me wrong, this is 1000% worth it when you’re building something that inspires you and has the potential to make unlimited income…
BUT, it doesn’t have to be painstakingly difficult.
Your business really can be the ultimate “freedom machine” you hoped it would be.
So, in honor of this 4th of July, here are my 4 tips for creating more freedom in your business. After all, it’s what Independence Day is all about!
Tip #1: Avoid “Progress Paralysis”
As entrepreneurs, it’s common to focus A LOT on the grand vision of your business.
Chances are, you’ve spent months working on a new program, website, or some tech wizardry that will set you apart from the rest.
There’s nothing wrong with this mindset, in fact, being a visionary is absolutely critical to your long term success…
But you may be missing opportunities for immediate abundance right in front of you.
While it’s great to stay focused on the major milestones that will move you towards your vision, it can be very discouraging when you don’t see progress right away…
And this will stop you dead in your tracks at the first sign of a hiccup (which is bound to happen!).
Avoid “progress paralysis” but identifying where there is low hanging fruit in your business. These are the tasks that can be implemented quickly and are likely to have positive results – for both your bank account and confidence.
Maybe it’s running a promotion to your list, finding a new affiliate partner or testing a new traffic source…
Or, if you’re just getting started, look for ways to start building a list while you work on your bigger goals in the background.
Whatever it is, just keep moving!
Tip #2: Have A “Measurement Mindset”
One of my favorite business principles comes from Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach. It’s called the Horizon Principle.
“Have you ever stared off into the distance? Maybe on the beach where the sea meets the sky, or on a wide open plain where the land stretches to meet sunset? Did you ever stop to think that though we’ve internalized the idea that the horizon itself exists, in reality, if you started walking toward it, you’d never reach it? The horizon is real, but only in our minds. It’s a mental construct that can never be physically reached."
The Horizon Principle is a metaphor for the ideals we often create in our lives and businesses…
And use to establish goals, motivate ourselves and measure our success.
However, just like the horizon, these ideals are impossible to reach because they are always shifting ahead. The result is a sense of constantly “falling short”.
In this scenario, how can we ever measure up?
The trick is looking BACK at the goals you’ve accomplished and celebrating your wins along the way – even the small ones!
Adopting a “measurement mindset” will shift your goal-setting experience to one of satisfaction, optimism, and confidence, rather than frustration…
And it will set you free.
Tip #3: Let It Go!
Another habit of type-A entrepreneurs is the belief that no one can do it better than you. Ever had that thought?
If so, it probably means you are working WAY too hard. No wonder your business feels more like a job.
The fastest way to success is to let go of perfection and delegate tasks you don’t NEED to do. Even if a virtual assistant could only complete the task at 80% of your proficiency, you’re still better off.
Not only will you have more time to focus on the big “needle movers” that actually require your time and attention…
But you’ll get to work ON your business, rather than in it.
Start by outsourcing the smaller tasks: calendar management, customer support, social media, technical tasks, administrative work, and local errands.
Once you’re comfortable with that, try bringing in team members to take over larger roles, like writing, blog editing, and project management.
You will be amazed by how much of your time opens up for creativity and strategy – the stuff that really moves your business forward.
Can you smell the freedom?
Tip #4: Have A Routine & Set Boundaries
When you can work anywhere, anytime… be careful NOT to work everywhere, all the time!
Running your own online business can be tricky for people who aren’t used to saying ‘NO’ and setting healthy boundaries.
Developing a routine and clear-cut rules around your work schedule is critical if you want to experience the true freedom your business can offer you.
Decide when you’ll work, and when you won’t…
When you’re available for meetings and when you’re not.
Part of this is actually scheduling time in your calendar for you! This could be time you spend at the gym, playing with your kids after school, or taking weekend trips with friends and family.
When starting a new business (or pushing to take your current business to the next level), your personal life can often play second fiddle to what brings home the bacon… and while this may be tolerable in the short term, I can promise you it will only lead to burn-out, resentment, and guilt.
So work hard, play hard, and rest hard.
Alright, there you have it…
My 4 tips for turning your business into a freedom machine, and just in time for the holiday long weekend.
Source: Abundant Entrepreneur
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"