For a considerable period, I was convinced there existed a correct approach to establishing a business. I thought that if I wasn’t grinding intensely, rising early at 5 a.m., and forfeiting my weekends, my ambition must have been lacking.
I observed the women I admired—those at the helm of thriving multi-million-dollar enterprises, rapidly scaling, and working around the clock—and wondered if I was on the wrong path.
However, the more I attempted to conform to their schedules, methodologies, and work practices, the less fulfillment I felt in my own business. (I’m not making this up… I seriously picked up a traditional 9 to 5 because of how disconnected I became from my passion.)
Honestly, it made me enjoy my personal life less as well.
Creating a life and business that you are truly passionate about necessitates releasing the habits that keep you tethered to someone else’s playbook, perpetually comparing yourself, and losing touch with your own definition of success.
Here’s what I needed to release to cultivate both the life and the business I genuinely love engaging with:
1. The Notion of a Singular Path
One major source of burnout for me in the online business arena was the chorus of voices insisting that you must adhere to XYZ to find success. Publish this often, launch that way, follow a specific blueprint.
The reality is, for every directive someone presents as “evidence” that their method works, I can point to ten individuals quietly adopting alternative approaches—and thriving.
I had to abandon the idea that a universal strategy for success existed.
Most of the time, those promoting these tactics are simply marketing their offerings. I shifted my focus to nurturing my business according to my unique terms, timing, and at my individual speed. That transformation was everything.
2. The Habit of Endless Scrolling
This is an ongoing journey for me, but I’ve come to recognize the pattern. On days when my enthusiasm for life wanes, it’s seldom due to my circumstances changing for the worse.
Instead, it’s usually because I’m caught up in comparing myself to others, lost in an endless scroll, and distancing myself from the work, joy, and creativity that truly inspire me.
Whenever I disconnect from the apps and immerse myself back into my own life and business, everything seems lighter.
While I’m not striving for perfection regarding screen time (as it’s a gradual process, of course), I recognize that I feel more content when I’m focused on my journey rather than fixated on everyone else’s highlights.
3. Seeking Opinions on Every Decision
In the early stages of my business, I craved validation from everyone regarding my choices. However, that din of advice only amplified my self-doubt. I had to learn that I alone know what’s best for my business.
Not everyone—like Aunt Jill or every friend and follower—needs to weigh in. Safeguarding my peace and listening to my intuition became essential.
I discovered I didn’t have to depict every step of my process or seek endless opinions. I could work quietly, share when I felt ready, and draw support from a coach or community that truly understands my journey—but not everyone needs to be involved.
4. Neglecting What I Currently Have
I’ll confess: I often yearned for the next big opportunity without acknowledging the value of what I already possessed. It’s akin to coveting a Lamborghini when you haven’t even cared for your everyday Honda. Or keeping your modest apartment in disarray while dreaming of owning the perfect home.
I was guilty of constantly chasing the next milestone without tending to the successes already secured.
When I began to nurture my clients, content, and community with care, my entire journey took on new meaning.
I also realized that a significant aspect of happiness (and manifestation) lies in valuing your current situation. By no longer taking my reality for granted, I found myself more passionately engaged in the life I was crafting.
5. The Guilt of Desiring Both
For years, I thought I had to commit to one direction: the pursuit of business or prioritizing personal life, ambition or relaxation, time off on weekends or profitability.
Letting go of this belief was liberating. I’ve found myself comparing my rhythm to successful women like Emma Grede and Grace Beverley, questioning my effectiveness simply because I’m not grinding constantly as they do.
Yet, the truth is, that’s their interpretation of achievement. Mine can be different. I have the right to set my own boundaries and design a life that resonates with me—not anyone else.
If that entails progressing more slowly, adopting a gentler approach, and closing my laptop by 5 p.m.? That is indeed a success.
6. Never Accepting It’s Enough
I’ve always been a visionary. I find myself bursting with ideas, yet I used to wear myself thin by never feeling I accomplished enough.
The to-do list is perpetual in entrepreneurship. There will always be more tasks you could undertake. As the leader of my business, I realized it’s vital to be kind to myself.
That means recognizing that what I achieved today is sufficient. It means stepping back and allowing myself a life beyond work.
If you’re continuously in pursuit of more, you’ll never feel like you are enough—or that your life holds value. (Do you need to reflect on that again?)
The Bottom Line
Creating a life and business that you adore involves more than reaching an ideal finish line. It’s about your presence throughout the journey while you build.
It’s about embracing the process, cherishing what you possess, and shedding the need for constant validation through relentless work. It’s about embracing your own unique version of success, even if it diverges from the conventional paths.
The most transformative action you can take is to create a business and a life on your own terms. And let that suffice.