Your business is not your baby... it's more like this...

I used to call my business my baby. The thing I had birthed and built from scratch, poured my heart and soul into. Spent sleepless nights and sacrificed so much for. Put my life on hold for. Sounds similar to a baby, right? It makes so much sense that women especially identify with calling their business their baby. We are wired to nurture, give and pour ourselves into something unconditionally.

But then I had real babies.

I realized that I created my business to serve my goals and my life. (And, of course, fill a need in the world, live out my purpose and serve others.) My career is the means to get the LIFE I wanted. Not the other way around. My real babies would always come first. So that begged the question, if my business wasn’t my baby anymore, what was it?

What if your business was your chauffeur?

1. They are employed by you to take you to a set destination.

2. You trust them completely and once you know they understand the destination, you don’t need to backseat drive- you get to sit back and relax.

3. You are their boss: they take your vision and run with it.

4. They work a set schedule. They aren’t contacting you at all hours of the day.

5. They are a grown ass adult who can handle your feedback. (oof -this one hits)

6. They take vacation.

7. They are open to feedback, pivoting and evolving as the destination evolves.

8. Their sole purpose is to help YOU get from place to place. The entire relationship is started with this intention. You are never perceived as selfish because this is the dynamic from the beginning.

9. Their role is designed to take a weight off your shoulders.

10. You might part ways one day and it will be amicable and fine. (oh man this one is hard, too)

Doesn’t this feel different? All of a sudden there are clear boundaries, professionalism and known expectations for how this person fits into your life.

I feel like if we could employ this approach to business, we would be able to be SO much more successful.

• We would pivot when necessary

• We would prioritize our own needs as the owner

• We would make decisions for profitability sake and not feel guilty about it

• We would look at the numbers objectively and not have so much attachment to our decisions

• We would have way better boundaries around our time

• We would take time off with ease knowing we are on track

• Our business wouldn’t be our whole identity

What do you think? Why do you think it’s so hard to have this separation? I am all ears!