Ask Robina - May 23, 2023

Hi Robina! 

 Is there any chance you can help answer a question?  I own my own business and trying to figure out which direction to turn. My business has grown in the last few years, which makes me happy, but I work all the time, and losing sight of why I started it all. Based upon what my business brings in and what I need for living expenses I don’t feel like I can hire help and it is hard for me to say no to new clients. I am getting burned out, frustrated, and feel like I am failing. It is hard to admit but I worry what people will think of me when I fail.  Working for someone else feels easier but feels like a failure too. How do I choose between growing my business and keeping my sanity?  

Thank you 

Ask Robina ~ Submit your questions here.  Hello Friend, 

You are a Superhero!!   

Managing all that you do and running a business is not for the faint of heart and you are doing it.  High Five!!  Your question is a common one with entrepreneurs.  Would it help to know there are many owners out there facing the same emotions around doing what they love, deciding how best to keep going, and running from the false beliefs of failure?  

In any business, there are the good, the bad, and the ugly cry moments. You currently have all three.  The good is you have no shortage of clients, the bad is you don’t have enough yous, and the ugly cry is the fear of failure.  Let’s break them down into smaller pieces to help you navigate the choices you have before you. 

Sticking with the superhero theme (because you deserve it) let’s explore your options. 

FACT or FEELING: 

What is the difference between fact and feeling and why is it important?  Feelings are not facts but a response to facts.  Separating the two will help to make decisions that best support you and your business. Your feelings are important but may not be the best place to make a decision from. 

From your question above if you were to put your words/statements into two buckets which ones would land in FACTS and which in FEELINGS? 

• I own my own business  
• My business has grown  
• Makes me happy 
• I work all the time  
• Losing sight of why I started it all  
• I don’t feel like I can hire help  
• It is hard for me to say no to new clients  
• I am getting burned out,  
• Frustrated  
• Feel like I am failing 
• I worry about what people will think of me when I fail 
• Working for someone else feels easier 
• Working for someone else feels like a failure 
• How do I choose between growing my business and keeping my sanity? 

Your initial response may be that all are facts but when you separate them you may note the list of facts is short.  For example, it may be fair to say the following statements are facts. 

• I own my own business  
• My business has grown  

The great thing is that when you know the facts you also know your feelings.  Better yet if the majority of your thoughts are feelings then there may be more room for facts.  Did you notice how many times the word “feel” showed up in your question?  Those are great places to start and replace with facts.  

Let’s take the feeling statements above and restate them factually. Ask yourself if it isn’t true what else might be? 

•  FEELING:  I work all the time  
• (presuming you don’t work 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  What else might be true? )
• FACT:  I work a minimum of 60 hours a week 

• FEELING:  I don’t feel like I can hire help 
• FACT:  When I review my financial statement I consistently have $2,500 a month above all my operational costs, take-home pay, taxes, and reinvestment. 

• FEELING:  How do I choose between growing my business and keeping my sanity? 
• FACT:  Growing my business doesn’t have to mean I lose my sanity. 

Making a Decision  

Once you have more facts in hand you will be better anchored to make a decision.  

Using the new facts your question might read, “I own my own business and it has grown over the last few years.  I work a minimum of 60 hours a week and get burned out.  When I review my financial statements I consistently have $2,500 extra a month.  I know there is a way to grow my business and keep my sanity but would appreciate your advice on ideas.  

Doesn’t that feel more powerful?  Superhero level?  Rarely, are the best answers found in the space of frustration, burnout, or fear of failure.  There is a superhero in each of us and we are calling on yours to come out.  

There are Money Superheros, too.  Check out the Money Types (Warrior/Hero/Heroine).    

Okay, your turn to strut your superpowers.    

1. Transform the feelings from above into facts. 

1. Add to your list of facts. (I often include my favorite dessert to keep it fun.) 

1. Create a power statement with your list of facts. 

1. Assume Superhero pose💥 

1. Ask the Superhero in you the following (Push, Pivot, Pause) questions: 

1. How many hours do I want to work a week? 

1. Where am I over-delivering? 

1. Am I due for a fee increase? 

1. Is this the best time to hire external help or an employee? 

1. Are there clients that no longer fit my business model that need to be released to another provider? 

1. Once I release those clients what is my ideal client and fee structure for the next future client? 

1. What is the best way to say no to clients? 

Feel free to add more questions to the above or reword to fit your business needs.  The answers are sure to be supportive and aligned with what is best for you.  If you need an extra dose of encouragement make a cape or get a mask.   

Psst..  You are likely more successful than you realize and far from failing.   

Conclusion 

One final note before we part, working for someone else is not failing. It takes a huge amount of courage to start your own business and it can be lonely at the top.  Should you decide that business ownership is not the most sustainable route for you and your life there is no shame in admitting that.  The number of people who take a chance on themselves compared to those who wish they did places you in a distinguished crowd.   Should you return to the workforce as an employee I have no doubt you will be a very valuable addition to any company and client as you understand the intricacies of running a business in a way many don’t.  It doesn’t mean one is better than the other but it is a unique skill set you can add to your resume. 

Regardless of your decision and where life takes you it is a good practice to pause before making the big life choices, separate the facts from feelings, add a dash of intuition, and trust yourself.  And when able, having a mentor, coach, or accountability partner to bounce things off never hurts. 

From one superhero to another, I am sending you my best. 

With Gratitude, 

Robina 

Robina is a Certified Money Coach and retired CPA.  She works as a guide for people to discover the freedom to dream again by transforming their relationship with money. If you want to know more about Robina, you can visit her at www.robinabennion.com. 

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Topic for May ~ Push, Pivot, or Pause 

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