Keys to freedom and flexibility

People tell me that they want to go into business for freedom and flexibility.  It’s easy to embrace the freedom but are you willing to embrace the keys you need to unlock that door?

A client of mine shared with me that when he went into business 3-years ago one of his goals was to be able to be home more, to not have to answer to a “boss”, to be able to spend time with his daughter and, do what he wanted to do when he wanted to do it.

He got his freedom; he did whatever he wanted to do as he ran through a portion of his retirement fund. He was free, frustrated and lacking a profitable business.

Everything comes at a price.  The good and the bad.  

In order to get freedom and flexibility in your business you have to be willing to do what it takes to get it.  

Here are 5-keys to help you unlock the door to true freedom.

1.    When it’s time to work, work.  There are things that you simply must do.  If you want to have a profitable business you need someone to pay you for your goods and services.  That means that need clients.  You must do the work necessary to get those clients.  Sure some of the work will be fun, it won’t all be.  You still need to get it done.
2.    When it’s time to play, play.  It’s easy to get sucked into your work, especially when you’re a business owner.  It’s important that you schedule time to be away from work and deliberately walk away from your computer and phone.  Take time to be you, spend time with friends and family and focus on them.  Take real vacations.  Enjoy sunny afternoons.  Remember, this is the reason you went into business.
3.    Take advantage of moments of inspiration.  I get more inspiration away from my desk than at my desk; this is why I’m wearing running clothes in most of the videos I shoot.  If you get an idea jot it down to save it.  IMPORTANT:  This is not an excuse to work during playtime, if anything it’s a reminder to play.
4.    Create a schedule that includes self-care.  Designate “work time”, “off-time” and “self-care time”.  Honor these appointments with yourself especially when you find yourself sucked into work time.  And remember, self-care is vital.  If you don’t take care of yourself you won’t be there to take care of your business or enjoy the lifestyle you’re building.     
5.    Understand your goals.  It’s easy to say that you want complete freedom or unlimited money.  Both goals come at a price.  What are you willing to do to reach your goal?  Is it worth the time, energy and money you will have to spend to reach it? If you find yourself worried that it’s going to take more than you want to give, decide what part of your goal is most important and focus on creating a path to it.

You really can achieve anything you want, the question is what are you willing to do to get it.

So tell me, do your goals still make sense in terms of what you are willing to do to get them?  Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.