As an entrepreneur, developing and implementing strategy is the difference between having a struggling business, versus running a thriving, successful one. In terms of health, well, it’s very much the same.
But first, let’s define the word “strategy” before we dive into how to make better decisions for your health and business.
According to the good ol’ Merriam-Webster dictionary, strategy is defined as “a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time.” Furthermore, it is also “the skill of making or carrying out plans to achieve a goal.” Strategy is one of my favorite words of all time. Why? Because it’s how I run my life and my business; I’m always coming up with new strategies to help me achieve my goals and develop skills that otherwise make my life and business flow. I actually have my own personal definition for strategy: constant and never-ending improvement.
What’s the goal of strategy? Well, in a few words, the ultimate goal in your health and business should always be to up performance, create ease and reach new heights of success and happiness. Without strategy, things can get pretty chaotic and you’re just not able to serve anyone well, much less yourself.
“The role of the starving artist, the broken healer or the dead broke creative is a thing of the past, or at least should be. There are more than enough clients for you and there’s more than enough wealth in the world to support you in creating a booming business and vibrant health.”
We’ve been immeasurably blessed, as millennials (which I’m assuming you are), to create thriving businesses online, or in our small communities because of technology. The role of the starving artist, the broken healer or the dead broke creative is a thing of the past, or at least should be. There are more than enough clients for you and there’s more than enough wealth in the world to support you in creating a booming business and vibrant health. But, you have to realize that when you don’t have bulletproof strategies, you’re capped on how much you can achieve, and thus limited on whom you can serve. And if you’re here on this site, I know your intention is to do what you love, serve others while following your passion, and create freedom in a life you’ve designed by hand. If you’re not already actively pursuing it, at least that’s the ultimate goal, right? We owe it to everyone else to be killer strategists so we can be of service to the world. We owe it to ourselves to get really smart with our strategies so we can be vibrantly healthy, perform well and kick small-business ass. Can I get a HUZZAH?
Here are some business and health strategies you can implement today:
· Enlist support. Whether it’s a part-time VA, a housekeeper, someone to prepare healthy home-cooked meals or a dog-walker, the more you can delegate, the more time you’ll have to actually DO the work you’re doing. If you’re feeling guilty about hiring a personal assistant, realize that not only are you providing a job for someone else, but you’re utilizing the most brilliant strategy of all: work smarter, not harder. Not financially stable in your business yet? Start with hiring someone for just 1-5 hours a week (depending on your budget) and get ready for a mind-blowing, freeing feeling when you have more mental space available to create, coach, photograph, serve, etc. Sounds to me like a formula for more clients + more money in the bank = more money to spend at Whole Foods. I’ll never forget the feeling of hiring someone to help me in business for the first time. It was, in one word, EMPOWERING.
· Break up with perfection. Get cozy with persistence. What in the world are you doing trying to be perfect, anyway? I hate to burst your bubble, but perfection doesn’t exist. If you’re looking for all the answers, you will never find them. I know this doesn’t go over well with the type-A personality, but you have to come to terms with the fact that you won’t know what you’re doing sometimes, and that failure is imminent. Napoleon Hill says, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” Stay persistent with improving yourself, your health and your business.
· Realize the improbability of balance. As an entrepreneur, there probably won’t be much balance on most days. Some days you’ll work straight through lunch time, and other days will be as lovely as a warm California day. Be armed with healthy snacks for when you can’t get away from your desk, drink Bulletproof coffee (hint: you’ll be so satiated you won’t need as many meals), go with the flow, be open to what new projects come your way, be resilient with disappointments, stay on top of your game with wide eyes and a clear mind, no matter what challenges occur.
· Take care of yourself. Make time for fun and for you. This ought to be a non-negotiable for all of us. Get a massage, spend time with your favorite people, take a painting class, get outdoors and leave your phone at home. Whatever gets you into high vibes. Don’t work yourself to the bone and then expect to have lots to give come Monday.
What strategies are you excited to implement in your health and business? Share in the comments below!
