James and I spent the weekend flat hunting around London. I’m so grateful that we can now afford a home big enough for both of us to have offices. (So much better than running I Heart My Life from the kitchen table on uncomfortable Ikea chairs!) I’m also grateful to be on this journey with my hubby, and that he was able to leave his 9-5 job to pursue his own dreams of becoming a coach. Although there’s definitely been some adjustments, it’s incredible to do life + biz together.
Just a year ago, I remember telling my own coach I wanted to spend more time with my husband. I was working so hard to build my business, and although I loved it, there were definitely moments of overwhelm where I questioned whether there was light (i.e. more time and freedom) at the end of the tunnel.
At one point, I had 27 one on one clients and two group programs and was traveling the world and doing intensives.And, it was definitely intense. (I wouldn’t recommend taking on that level of clientele at once, but hey, you live and learn right?) James and I were apart for 23 days that trip which was also not ideal.
The truth is, lovely, someone once told me that the first 6-figures is the most difficult money you’ll ever make in business. And after hitting that milestone six months into my business, I’m inclined to agree.
During that period of time, you’re building that momentum – just trying to get this dream off the ground – and it isn’t a piece of cake.
There are days where you doubt yourself, wonder if you’ll ever get to the point of having some passive income (because right now there’s nothing passive about the money that’s coming in the door!), and there never seems to be enough time. You’re literally doing everything, and you can’t even imagine handing over a single task to a stranger (gasp!). And if you’re anything like me, you want more time those you love. (After all, that’s one of the reasons why you started the biz in the first place!)
Can you relate?
The truth is, I’ve totally been there, but I have to tell you, everything I went through was so worth it to get to where I am today.
At least in my experience, that’s kinda what the first chapter is like, and that’s okay. It’s not a forever thing, just a period of time.
So if you’re wondering if there’s light at the end of the tunnel or thinking of throwing in the towel, please don’t. I’m hear to tell you that it does get easier.
Now, although James and I still work a full week and dedicate a heck of a lot of time to I Heart My Life (and plan to continue to do so), we do have more freedom now, and it’s possible for you too, lovely.
Here are a few tips to move forward into that place of freedom and out of overwhelm…
- Outsource sooner rather than later. Even if it’s something small! Get it off your plate.
- Say “no” more than “yes”. Listen to your gut. If it’s not a heck yes, make it a heck no!
- Get specific with your niche – choose one ideal client!
- Raise your prices quickly as you gain more experience. Take on less clients but at a higher rate.
- Position yourself as a go-to expert in your industry. You rock. Shout it from the rooftops.
- Run Facebook ads. They’ll do your marketing while you sleep!
- Uplevel your branding. Be someone people start to notice.
- And finally, if you’re ready, launch a group program. You can reach more people without stretching yourself too thin with 1:1 work.
And if even that list above overwhelms you, start with one item and work your way down.
Plus, throughout the next few months, we’re going to be releasing some exciting new tools to support you in doing all of the above. I’m passionate about women like you, lovely, not only having a business better than your dreams, but a life too.
After all, we do life and business over here at I Heart My Life (you know I don’t just sit at home and work and play with my cat, right?!) and you can too!
Don’t give up!
