The Working Harder Mindset
Let's chat about something that's been on my mind a lot lately: mindset. I’ve hit a ceiling I can’t seem to break through and the reason is me and the mindset I bring to the table.
For the past twenty-six years, I’ve done everything I can to work hard and be as successful as I possibly can be. I’m the one who will go the extra mile. I’ll do what others aren’t in order to keep the team functioning and the bills paid. I’ll do what it takes for the team to survive and flourish. However, that’s only gotten me so far.
In 2023, I had a chance to join a business networking group, and that changed everything for me. For one, it gave me a chance to actually talk to people who owned or were key leadership in the businesses around me, and it gave me the chance to see where I was in comparison. I was far from alone.
I Can’t Change
The three top reasons for staying in this work harder mindset are:
I can’t get help. I just get more work.
I want things to be done right and I’m the only one who can do that.
We need to keep our clients and they only trust me.
The top reason is one I feel the hardest. In the past, when I’ve asked for help, I would get the rest of the work completed only to find out that the part I’d asked help with hadn’t been completed. So, not only did I get the opportunity to complete the tasks I’d delegated, I also got to do them with my butt on fire because it was so last minute. And in most cases, I’d offered to do something in exchange for the work promised.
This isn’t just me being a pushover. This happens a lot. It’s a story I hear often.
It’s a bit of a challenge, but I am being choosier about who I bring onto my team, and that has helped me overcome the reasons I come up with to maintain my work-harder mindset.
Shift Your Focus
The biggest thing, however, is shifting my focus on what I need to accomplish. I’m not great at everything. I can write content like a runner breathes or a carpenter builds. You challenge me with a topic and I can write just about anything. But accounting? I mean, I can do it, but I don’t enjoy it. Creating graphics or book covers? I will almost pay you to let me work on that. Entering in data so I can analyze it? Can you punch me instead?
Here are a few more things you can do:
Discover What Lights You Up: It's all about finding what brings you joy and energy. What are the tasks that you look forward to? Those are the ones that not only play to your strengths but also make your day a whole lot brighter.
Get Help with the Not-So-Fun Stuff: We all have those tasks that feel like a drag. Why not find some help for those? Whether it's delegating, outsourcing, or just getting a bit of support, it's okay to lighten your load.
Tune Into Your Ideal Client: Take a moment to think about who you're really excited to help. By refining your focus to align with your ideal client, you'll find more satisfaction and impact in your work.
Remember to Take Breaks: It's super important to step back and recharge. Whether it's a quick breather during the day or some well-deserved time off, taking breaks is key to staying energized and inspired.
So, let's shift our mindset from just surviving to truly thriving. By focusing on what brings us joy, getting help where we need it, aligning our work with our ideal clients, and making sure we take time to recharge, we can transform our work from overwhelming to totally fulfilling. Let's make our workday something we look forward to, filled with tasks that energize us and breaks that refresh us. Here's to working smarter, not harder, and enjoying the journey along the way!
