It’s interesting to see how much we do because we think we “should” be doing it. This has come up a lot lately especially with running my own business. People say being in business for yourself is the best personal development course you can ever take. It’s so true because it forces you to deal with your own issues, that is if you want to be successful, and let’s be honest, we all do:) For example, I felt like I “should” be taking more time off with our second child, Ella, and not get back to work right away. BUT here’s the thing, it makes me happy to work and I LOVE being in my office. This in turn makes everyone around me happier. Don’t get me wrong, I love my baby girl and I do spend time with her everyday, but I am also working which is what makes me happy right now. I have decided to drop what I think I “should ” be doing and do what makes me happy, which for me is a combo of work AND spending time with my family. It doesn’t always have to be so cut & dry. I think doing what we think we “should” be doing comes from the whole “perfectionist” thing and trying to please others.
The whole “perfection” thing is a such an issue for so many of us. I had this conversation with quite a few people last week. Why are we trying so hard to be perfect? What is perfect anyway? In my mind it’s being ALL of who we really are, the good, the bad AND the ugly! It’s about embracing that we need help AND accepting it. Isn’t it the most annoying thing when you talk to someone who is trying so hard to be perfect? We all know one of those Moms, and it’s just exhausting to be around them!
The thing is though, I’ve learned the more authentic I am, the better the results I get. When I stop doing what I think I “should” be doing and START doing what I want to do, I am much happier (and free). This leads to attracting more and more to be happy about, i.e. new clients, new opportunities, etc.
Take a few minutes and answer these questions:
What are you doing because you think you should and not because you really want to?
How is this affecting your business and personal life?
If you did what you want to do instead, how would this make you feel?
What is holding you back from doing what you want?
What is one thing you can do today to move you closer to where you want to be?
Isn’t it time you STOP should’ing all over yourself?!