Would you say you're ambitious?
Susannah Simmons
? Empowering bold business owners to create harmony in their businesses & lives ? ??????Customer Wellbeing Specialist?????? ????♀?The Feel Good Fitness Coach????♀? ?? Author of The Mystery of the Lost Customer ??
Today I want to explore a topic that has been on my mind since I updated my LinkedIn profile to say I empower 'ambitious' small business owners. It got me thinking about what ambition really means, especially in today's capitalist, money-focused society.
Ambition isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. For some, it might be about money and having a 6-figure business and that's ok For others, it might mean building a sustainable business that supports a balanced lifestyle, making a difference in their community, or simply having the freedom to follow their passions. I'd like to add these ambitions aren't mutually exclusive however in my experience there is usually a primary motivator and it isn't always money.
A few years back, fellow small business owner Paul Harris shared an insightful distinction between 'bills work' and 'thrills work'. This has stuck with and perfectly captures the essence of why we do what we do.
Bills Work: the work we do out of necessity - to pay the bills, keep the lights on, and ensure our basic needs are met. It's essential but it doesn't light our fires or get us excited to get out of bed in the morning.
Thrills Work: This is the work that truly excites use, aligns with our passions and gives us a sense of purpose. It's the work that makes us jump out of bed in the morning with energy and enthusiasm.
Ambition in whatever form it takes, is what fuels us to keep going. It's crucial to remember that your ambition is defined by you, not by external expectations or societal pressures. Whatever your goal, what's important is that it's YOUR goal.
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Take a moment to reflect on your own ambitions and the balance between your 'bills work' and 'thrills work'.
As we continue our small business ambitions, let's create a balance that supports both our financial needs and our passions. Remember, ambition is personal. Define it on your terms, and pursue it with all the energy and excitement it deserves.
I’d love to hear about your own experiences with bills work and thrills work. Share your thoughts in the comments or send me a message!
Until next time, keep juggling and flourishing!
Helping you make sense of business finance
8 个月"Whatever your goal, what's important is that it's YOUR goal." You summarise it so well there Susannah. It's so easy to get caught up in what we're told our goals should be. Or to carry over the goals from our corporate life before self-employment. What do I want from my business? Is that realistic? If so, how do I make it happen? When I reach that goal, will I be somewhere I want to be, or will I have wasted years chasing the wrong goal...
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8 个月Interesting I am on a course and she is talking about the importance of choosing clients who align with your values and motivations. You've now given me the next step on why that's important. If I focus on having a pipeline of clients who align with my values, the more of my work will be Thrills Work. Meaning I have more energy and motivation to focus on excellence and finding more Thrills experiences ??
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8 个月Love that you're still using the bills and thrills work analogy Susannah. Its so easy when we first start our businesses that we want to do the work that lifts us and gives us the buzz. But if our bills aren't being covered we can quickly run out of steam. Hope its all going well for you.