Taking Yourself (and your business)Too Seriously

I've had my own business since the mid 80's. If you're like me, you know that each day you must be putting efforts into marketing and growing your business. And, if you're the main support of your household, making money becomes serious business. And that might mean that your attitude and way of looking at life becomes very serious too.

Is it possible to be successful without becoming sooooo serious that you sacrifice pleasure and enjoyment? Can you have fun, build a thriving business and enjoy your life?

Yup, you bet.

If you're not having fun doing what you love, you might be taking yourself, your business, and your life waaaaaaaaaaay too seriously.

The result might be you have a stellar business with no life because all you do is work, work, work. Or, you might suffer from sleepless nights, stress eating, a floundering business, low energy, distraction and discouragement. Sounds a bit bleak, eh?

Ok - here are a few things that might bring some lightness and fun back into your life that will have a positive affect on your business too. If you're happier and more energized, your efforts will be more directed and focused. People are naturally attracted to someone who is feeling good and has a product or service they need. Get it?

1. Be sure to take 10-15 minute breaks during the day. I recommend taking a break every 3 hours. Get up, move around and do something for you. If you work from home or tend to stay glued to your desk, taking breaks is a must so you get re-energize yourself. That means no eating at your desk too! If you are protesting you don't have the time and have too much to do, work on managing how your schedule time. You'll be working smarter, not harder.

2. Schedule tasks and meetings that require the most attention and focus when your energy is the highest. Are you at your best in the morning or mid afte
oon to evening? Putting your attention on those things that require focus and skill when your energies are optimal will produce quality results.

3. Be willing to laugh at yourself when you become too serious about things. The other day I lost my cell phone and I spent hours trying to find it. One minute I had it, the next it was gone. So weird. Now, I depend on my phone and losing it became very serious to me. I kept retracing the same steps over and over shaking my head in disbelief. Such a productive use of my time, I know! See what I mean? By sweating over the small things that can become so huge that you become engulfed in your own drama.

4. Give yourself permission to play hooky from work. If you're an employee and have a more defined work schedule, this might be a bit trickier to arrange, but not impossible! Schedule lunch with a friend, go shopping, catch a mid-afte
oon movie or have a massage. Breaking up a work day with something fun might be the ticket to lighten up so you are feeling good and can return to your business refreshed. Imagine what you can create from a place of well-being!

5. Make your business a game. In other words, look for creative ways to view your business. You might get up in the morning and decide to see how many new people you can meet today with being attached to any result. Show up to help others for the joy of it.

I have a client who has a thriving business and she always ask herself, "Will this be fun for me?" when considering a new writing project, speaking engagement, or seminar presentation. Most times when she says yes, she makes it fun and the people who benefit from working with her always receive the best of what she has to offer.

So, are you being too serious? How can you lighten up today?