I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve checked my Instagram today. Last night I finished off my blog post at 11.30pm after a jam-packed day. And yesterday while watching Game of Thrones with my husband I took a “bathroom-break” just so I could sneak a peek at my Facebook. I’m proud to admit that I’m wildly passionate about my business, but there’s been days it starts to look like an obsession. There are ways to build an online business without becoming obsessive but it takes some commitment.
Getting lost in the rabbit hole that is social media can be fun, but if you’ve ever looked up and wondered where 3 hours of your day went then I’m talking to you.
So how do you build an online business without becoming obsessive?
You work on a schedule.
One of the best things I’ve done for my business in recent months is to download a Time Keeper app. Before I get on social media I will set my timer so that I don’t get lost scrolling through my Facebook and Instagram feed for hours.
I’m also mindful to make goals. If I sit down to write a blog post I’ll commit to a time to try and beat. This ensure I’m not wasting time by picking up my phone or getting distracted mid-post by other things.
Choose your goals and then set a timer to hold yourself accountable to getting the work done. Once it’s done move onto the next task or disconnect from your work and commit to doing something fun outside of your business.
You remember you have people offline that need your time.
If you find yourself hiding in the bathroom or creeping around the darkened corners of your home hoping your family doesn’t see you checking your Instagram yet again, then it might be time for you to step away from the smart phone.
One thing that brings me back to reality is remembering that I have a family and friends that need my time and attention. I have relationships to nurture and memories to make.
While I work hard and spend a lot of time in my business, I am mindful to give my friends and family regular pieces of my undivided attention.
You find someone to keep you in check.
Get yourself a friend who is real enough to tell you when you’re being crazy! But look, choose your accountability buddy wisely. I wouldn’t choose a friend who has no idea what it takes to build a business to hold you accountable because let’s face it–building an empire takes more time than your average person would be willing to put in.
Choose someone who is on a similar path, who understands the struggle but who knows when enough is enough. I surround myself with other online entrepreneurs and have regular check-ins to ensure I’m not getting too crazy!
You admit that you may be a little obsessive.
I’m kind of joking but I’m also kind of serious. There have been times when I’ve worked like a madwoman and burned myself into the ground trying to build my business. I attributed the obsession to just “doing what I need to do to be successful.”
But really? I was spending way more time working on my business on a daily basis than what felt healthy. Just like anything you’ve got to admit to yourself that things are getting a little out of hand before you can change anything.
This is something that I’ve been struggling with hardcore! Ever since I started my business a few months ago, I’ve been spending so much time and energy working on it day after day—at the expense of my health. The importance of self-care is something that I learned the hard way this year and I’m trying my best to lead a healthier lifestyle because of it. So glad you wrote this article! It’s reassuring to know that I’m not the only one experiencing this.
I hear ya Gawoon! The crazy part is when we ease up on the obsession and take care of ourselves, our work (often) becomes better. Glad you were able to learn the lesson this year.