Are you running the business or is it running you?

Let's face the fact that we are living in the most chaotic, complex and fast-paced environment than ever before. There is more of everything available than we ever had in the history of the mankind from food, facilities, comfort, travel and may other choices which our ancestors probably would have never imagined in their wildest dreams.

It certainly is a good thing. Isn't it? But, along with the enhanced focus on achievement, people have lost their connection with themselves, their environment and tend to lead a purpose-less lives. More Businesses have become transactional in nature and there is lack of understanding about "why is what they do is so important to them".

After all, they put hard work, sweat and blood in building and running businesses so getting to know the clear "why" is very crucial.

There is nothing wrong with having high ambitions and working relentlessly on achieving the desired goals. Being passionate about making money also awesome. But what is really not awesome is becoming the slave of your "meaning-less" mental activity for an illusionary sense of achievement.

In my practice of coaching many senior executives, business owners and entrepreneurs, I discovered that most of the people are simply running their business with "no clear purpose'.

So, when you are not aware about how doing a certain business or work is going to make you happier and fulfilled.............. you fall in the trap of business 'that runs you".

Here are some of the points that you might find useful to introspect on :

1. Emotional State of Mind :

Does your business worry you beyond normal? Do you stress about deadlines, work schedules or anything particular to the business? Is your mind overthinking and you remain restless around your day to day activities? How good do you sleep?

These are all simple but important things to ponder upon. They reflect your state of mind which is the key indicator of your holistic wellness quotient.

Unwinding on the daily basis is again a very critical component. Business Stress and Overwhelm keeps on increasing when one doesn't put a proper unwinding plan in place. Since we have finite energy and cognitive power that need to be recharged frequently, you can't underestimate the power of deeper unwinding that relaxes the mind and cultivate inner resilience.

Do you have an Unwinding Plan in place? Are you following it and getting the desired benefits?

2. Personal Relationships :

I can't even count the number of business owners or busy entrepreneurs I have worked with who continuously struggle with managing the expectations of their close relationships especially family and friends. Indeed, one must put more effort and time in building their dream business or legacy, but if it's affecting your relationships, then it's not going to be very rewarding in the end.

A lot of busy people spend lesser and lesser time with their spouse and kids, which they internally also feel guilty about, but due to the lack of clarity and overall purpose of their life, they end up getting more and more trapped in the 'pains of the growing business' phenomenon.

The last words of Steve Jobs, the founder on Apple were "Now I know, when we have accumulated sufficient wealth to last our lifetime, we should pursue other matters that are unrelated to wealth…

Should be something that is more important:

Perhaps relationships, perhaps art, perhaps a dream from younger days …

Non-stop pursuing of wealth will only turn a person into a twisted being, just like me."

...........How are your relationships doing? Are you satisfied in that front?

3. Self Expression :

I asked several of my business coaching clients one question, "What is the purpose of the work that you do"? and most of them replied that they want to create value and be impactful and leave the legacy behind.

This is all good. But, there is something missing. And, that missing element is the most important key. It's called your "TRUE SELF EXPRESSION"

If whatever you do as a business or at workplace doesn't involve your 'self expression' then its never going to be bringing a sense of joy and contentment.

Why is that so?

Firstly, let's talk about the so called value and impact for a second. If you really be honest with yourself and look deeper at this question, you will realize that, whatever value or impact that we talk about (and are so passionately want to offer to the world) is also about 'you, yourself" ........

Yes, it is.

There is nothing that you do, IS NOT FOR YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE.

Everything you create is for your own experience.

Even the value and impact is .... somewhat a selfish pursuit... which certainly benefit others...

....... and there is nothing wrong in it.... unless, it's done for the purpose of SHOWING OFF THE ACHIEVEMENT AND IS NOT MOTIVATED BY SELF EXPRESSION OF YOU TRULY ARE...

Self Expression really means being able to uniquely express your values and inner instincts fearlessly. Now ask yourself " Am I totally being myself in my work part of life" "Am I leading with courage and total self expression, and not doing it because i want to prove myself right"

When we express fully, we live fully. Make sure you do that in your professional life as well.

> I hope this write-up made a bit of sense to you. Please share your feedback below in the comments :)

PS - If you are a Business Owner, C level Executive or an Entrepreneur, who is looking to break the pattern of limited mind and excel in personal and professional sphere, I am available for FREE 30 Min Consultation. Click Here to Schedule the call.

Best,

~ Simi Arora