You're Trying Too Hard

Do you ever feel like you need to do more—expand what you offer, reach out to new people, increase accessibility, find a new and unique angle?

Everyday I see these behaviors in action with people jockeying for position in a race of their own creation. 

I spoke to a business owner a few weeks ago who was expanding her business. We spoke for a solid 30 minutes, and I have to admit something . . . I have no clue what she does. I understood the bits and pieces, something about personal finance meets insurance, but there was no clear vision or plan to expand. So, I had to ask, “Do you have a business plan?” “No, not a written one.”

Friends, if your plan is only in your head, it’s dead. The likelihood of me winning the lottery is greater than you implementing the ever evolving machinations of your mind.

But this person was insistent on expanding at scale, and quickly. In my mind, I kept hearing the cha-chings of money adding up to create an additional arm of a business that was already poorly defined. 

This was an impromptu conversation, and an initial meeting. If I had known this person better, I would have given this advice:

Do less, better.

This business person is not an anomaly. In fact, she’s the norm. The majority of people believe that doing more is better. More motion equals more productivity, right? 

I’m a proponent of action over analysis paralysis, but that action must be targeted. 

I observe people trying too hard to be different and unique when they aren’t in a business that thrives on innovation. “Different” is rarely in demand. 

People are creatures of habit. Unless you’re Henry Ford convincing people that cars are more efficient than horses, stick with what works. The moat of innovation is reserved for a fraction of a percent of entrepreneurs.

I see people trying too hard to be everywhere and meet everyone’s needs; therefore, diluting their message or business brand (and, ultimately, meeting no one’s needs).

I come down on networking pretty hard. Networking is an effective tool to build your business, if you use it the right way. Most people just socialize. If you’re networking without seeing results, take a break and regroup. Maybe rethink your approach.

Another version of this is networking via social media. I’m guilty of this. The relentless grind of posting to various platforms in the formats preferred by their various algorithms to build a following is exhausting. And do I even need to highlight that it’s incredibly time consuming?

I’ve increasingly started asking myself, “What is my purpose for being here (wherever “here” is)?

I recently shared with a friend that I’ve become increasingly selfish with my time. Unless I have a specific reason for doing something, I’m hard-pressed to do it. That doesn’t mean that I won’t meet a friend for lunch or schedule coffee with a potential contact. However, I’m mindful of my intention. That intention can be as simple as connecting and catching up with a friend because too much time has gone by without speaking. Strengthening bonds of friendship is purposeful.

If I’m taking time (my finite resource) to meet a friend, a fresh acquaintance, or attend a networking event, then I will show up fully present. 

When we incessantly try too hard to be more, we are diluting the concentrated power behind purposeful action.

This week, ask yourself, “Why am I here?” If you’re at work, maybe you’re there to collect a paycheck to pay your bills. What is the job you’ve been hired to do? Are you doing just that job, or have other duties crept in?

I met with a friend recently who has a job that tends to spread out. Projects were being added, in addition to his already consuming base job. He advocated for himself and the quality of his work. He made it clear that he could do all the additional projects, but at the cost of the job he was hired to do. His well-thought words outlining the consequences resulted in the additional projects being reallocated.

Maybe you’re a business owner struggling with overwhelm. Identify one area causing that overwhelm and ask, “Why am I doing this thing this way?” Connect to the purpose of your activity and simplify it.

I’ve become hyper-focused on fine-tuning my systems in my business. I’ve just rebooted my reselling business. There is always the lure to do more—source more products, list more items. But, am I sourcing and listing the best quality. I’ll keep it small for now, increasing my quality before I grow.

The need to “do more” is typically self-perpetuated. We feel the need to expand, add on to what we’re already doing. You can also feel that doing less is the way to go.

This week, do less, better.

Join CONNECT-collective on YouTube and LinkedIn!

I would love to have you as part of the CONNECT-collective community on our other platforms. If you are a solopreneur or entertaining starting your own solo business, I invite you to check out CONNECT-collective on YouTube! and LinkedIn! I talk about starting solo businesses to escape your 9-5 while avoiding burnout. I would love to see you there!

Sending you all Peace, Love, & Harmony!

-Michele

Do You Need Help Tapping Into Your Potential?

Are you struggling to meet your goals and wish you had support? Have you ever considered working with a coach? You may not know what a coach does.

One-on-One Coaching:

• You and I develop an individualized plan targeting your specific goals

• You receive individualized support from me

• Answers to your specific questions

• Guidance on your specific issues and blocks

• Accessibility to me outside coaching sessions for added support (individual texts and emails to check in)

• Your plan leads to learning how your personal growth is in your control

Are you ready to take action but are at a loss on what step to take next? 

I can teach you how to get started and accelerate your growth by using repeatable methods. Need the tools? I’ve got them. The goal is always to make you independent. I should be working myself out of a job. Once you take off, you may want to have a session from time to time, especially if you are scaling your goals. A good coach teaches you how to stand on your own two feet. Contact me today. Are you ready to CONNECT?