Living With Margin

Most small business owners suffer from a lack of "margin." I'm not talking about financial margin (although many suffer from that as well). I'm talking about margin in your life.

Many (if not most) of the small business owners I talk to are overwhelmed and over-worked. They got into business to have more fun, have more flexibility, and to make more money. But soon they find themselves working longer hours than they've ever worked before, feeling like a prisoner to their business. And for all their effort, they often end up making LESS money!

In our coaching we help these professionals improve their business so that they can make more money. But we also help them BALANCE their life! Part of balancing life is learning to build more "margin" into your day and your week. Here are some facts about time -

Your time is limited. You only have 24 hours in a day. Yet, all your time will be spent doing something! You can't save it, store it up for the future, or postpone. Time happens! And you can't stop it. As a result, somebody is going to determine how you spend your time! It may be your customers, your employees, your vendors, your friends, SOMEBODY!

My encouragement to you is to set limits on your workday! Yes, easier said than done. But we must all realize that everyday has limits. If you don't set limits for yourself you will soon discover that there is no margin, no space for rest, reflection, or relationships. The 3 R's (rest, reflection, and relationships) are what give us energy, purpose, and joy in life. But they are only found in margins.

Build margin into everyday. If you need help, get a coach!