The challenges of a solo business

I struggle internally.

Sometimes for years over a certain topic.

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Depending on what it is, some things are more surface. Some of my considerations are deeper.

I share this to remind you that it's not just you. We all have our challenges.

Me, you, us.

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Our challenges are not only common, I believe they really are the key to our growth.

Here's an example from my coaching practice... (if you've just met me, I've also had many businesses in partnerships, but that dynamic is a different thing with it's own peculiarities - if you know, you know ??)

A solo business though - it's got it's own challenges...

For years I've resisted the whole social media thing.

FB, Insta - ugh.

I mean, I did it.

Begrudgingly.

'For my business', I'd tell myself.

And then I found LinkedIn - a platform I'm very happy to interact on ?

Weird. Unsure quite why, but I roll with it. (I'm sure we could prod that a bit and understand why... perhaps I found it in the same year that I worked on my visibility - a discussion for another time...)

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For months, actually years, I sat in the resistance and draaaaggggeddd myself to my work tasks of SM posting.

Not really wanting to but doing it because I thought I 'should' (?? for my internal obligation word)

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When I considered what I really wanted, it was to NOT do the posting.

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I realised that forcing myself into a mould that didn’t fit was counterproductive. The breakthrough came when I accepted my preferences and chose to focus on the platforms that felt right for me.

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So after much deliberation, I declared over on FB and Insta that I would be having a break and to come find me at Linkedin. I won't say the very minute.... but it was close... when I allowed myself to NOT be on Insta or FB, I found myself naturally being able to be there.?

There's something I've noticed happens when I lean into the resistance and just accept who/what/how I am and what I truly want and then make the plan to deal with it.?

Here are the steps I follow: (I'm having more an more insight as I write this to share with you today - my brain is finding all the ways this is my pattern!)

1. I notice the dread and obligation

2. I acknowledge where I am and what I want (sometimes I want two things at once)

3. We investigate how I would change things (often with my coach, yes I have a coach. I believe the best coaches have coaches! We can't take our clients further than we are willing to go ourselves.)

4. I make a start on that change.

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And then,

as it happens....

it loosens.

The story I've been telling myself unwinds.

It's like it sometimes just dissolves.

Phoof. Gone.

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That thing I cared about for all that time....

That thing that took up so much of my mental and emotional energy... released.??

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So I invite you to consider these questions for yourself the next time you feel an ongoing resistance to something in your business...

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BUSINESS REFLECTION PROMPTS:

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What are you waiting to give yourself permission for?

If anything were possible what would you want?

Allow yourself to go there in your mind or on paper this weekend . I like pen and paper. Theres something about seeing the words written out that helps uncover and clarify the ideas in my mind. Please share with anyone you know who thinks deeply about life and business and who you imagine would benefit from these journal prompts.

Whenever you're ready here are 2 ways I can help you (or your network)

• If you're local or planning a visit to Adelaide, join my Morning Momentum walking community. It's an opportunity for us to meet, get to know each other, chat with other likeminded business owners & professionals. I'm there as a resource and sounding board (and coffee partner of course) for whatever's on your mind. Let me know if you fancy joining us I'll send you details for our next one.

• Private 1:1 coaching with me. If you want to work on your goals for the coming year and you're ready to get started, let's chat about what you're hoping coaching will help you with. I'm less prescriptive than your average business coach - we find strategies that work with your way of being. Here's what a recent client said:

"Sarah helped me find how I work best and that might be different to someone else.

I was able to action a lot of things immediately because everything felt so clear to me and the steps were laid out. I was getting where I wanted to be, rather than being stuck.

I now definitely feel so much more in control, a lot more accomplished and that I have achieved something I've wanted to do for ages in our time together"

Want to grow by word of mouth and referrals, creating a business that sustains you in so many ways (internally and externally)? I feel you and I've got you! It is totally possible to have and maintain a full list of clients you love without sacrificing what matters to you.

If that sounds like (one of the many) things you're looking for (because let's face it, we're complex beings and have so many ideas), book a call in my profile - we can chat about it.

Find out more about my coaching packages here.

Success (inner and outer) ?? Fulfilment ?? Impact ?