what to do when you've got too much to do
“I’ve got too much going on. And I only like some of it. I get roped into jobs I don’t want to do, just because I know how to do them and I can’t say no. I’m not making enough yet to turn down paying jobs, but I’m not a big fan of maintenance work (as opposed to design/development), or the fact that because I do maintenance work I’m stuck at my desk all day so clients can call me. Going on vacation is a nightmare because I can’t relax or unplug! The problem is I make about 50% of my income from these maintenance jobs. I don’t hate the idea of them, and they pay well, but I’m a big fan of always being available. I want to cut my work hours and actually be able to relax on the weekends."
From, Too Available
How many of you can relate to taking on jobs because...
They pay the bills
They are “good opportunities"
You want to please those who are asking
I know I am a sucker for B and still actively working on it!
businesswoman-at-desk-with-computer-using-cell-phone
First and foremost, the biggest need I see here is implementing some lifestyle design. I don’t know about you, but I started my business to experience more freedom and so I could create the schedule and lifestyle I wanted. So that’s what we will start with here.
Create the schedule YOU want. No that doesn’t mean scheduling 2 hours a week when realistically you know you need to be working 20. Be sure to keep in mind your self-care time (yes, schedule in your yoga or pole dancing classes). You get to design it exactly how you want. You want to be accommodating to your clients but not bending over backwards.
Whether or not you want to be really accessible to your clients, you need to have clear boundaries. These are some suggestions, and while they may not hit the spot for you, just know it is important to be clear and honor yourself – that way you can best honor your clients. - Don’t give out your cell number. Either have a business specific number with an answering machine or if you have a business in which a cell phone is absolutely necessary once again have really clear boundaries on what it’s okay to call about and when. - Have a secret email only your top clients get – and let them know specifically what it is for. - Set up an email autoresponder for the hours that you are “off” with some answers to common questions and letting them know when you’ll be back in the office. Essentially training people to be more self-reliant and patient.
It’s okay to say “no.” This is definitely hardest when you are in a position when you are needing to make money. In my experience the more I say “no thank you” to clients who aren’t a perfect fit or opportunities that aren’t a “heck, yes!” the more perfect clients and opportunities do come.
This is heavily related to clarity (on what you really want to spend your time doing and with whom) and trust (yourself and Universe/Source/God...)
You can also take things off your plate -let them go. Although this isn’t a habit you want to make, it is okay to change your mind and let go of a commitment you’ve already made. Yes, you may disappoint someone but do your best to hook them up with someone else and you’ll both leave as happy campers.
Bonus: If you are finding yourself doing more projects you don’t like vs. do like as yourself…
Is there a way you can shift the projects you aren’t totally gung ho about to make them more lovable?
Is there a way you can add more value and charge more for the projects you DO love so you can focus more solely on them and let go of the rest? * This is my favorite method in which I have had great success as have my clients (working in social media, VA, coaching, consulting, and healing modalities).
To connect with my sisterhood, come join us here, as part of the Soulful Success Tribe.
XOX, Alli
