Time Management is Dead: The Real Secret to Business Success is Energy

Time Management is Dead: The Real Secret to Business Success is Energy

by | Oct 25, 2024 | Business Chaos, Busy Trap, Juggle Street, Peak Performance, Profitability and business growth, Smart Growth, Time Freedom

Let’s be honest, time management is overrated. If you’ve spent years trying to fit your life into neatly scheduled 9-to-5 blocks, you know the struggle. 

For most of us, it’s exhausting, unproductive, and frankly, outdated. 

The real secret to success? Managing your energy.

Here’s the deal: we don’t all work the same way, and that’s okay. 

I used to push myself to stick to rigid schedules, thinking that’s what “success” demanded. But after too many repeated patterns of pushing too hard, I realised something game-changing: I wasn’t failing at time management, I was ignoring how my body and brain actually work. 

Some days, I can power through tasks like I’ve got the energy of ten people; other days, I’m practically running on empty by midday. Can you relate?

This isn’t just personal, it’s universal. Every single person on your team has their own natural rhythm, and as a leader, forcing everyone into a cookie-cutter workday is a fast track to exhausting them. 

 

People aren’t robots. One-size-fits-all productivity just doesn’t work.

And yet, so many business owners and managers still cling to the idea that productivity equals hours worked. It’s time to stop pretending that everyone should be “on” at the same time, at the same pace. The real question is: are your people working when they’re at their best?

Creating a flexible work environment that respects individual energy patterns isn’t a luxury. 

When we stop managing time and start managing energy, everything changes. 

You create a team that’s engaged, thriving, and, most importantly, sustainable. Business success isn’t about working more, it’s about working smarter.

So, why cling to outdated schedules when the future of success is rooted in how well you manage energy.

What’s your favourite way to manage your energy to keep the hustle healthy?

Nicky

BOOK A CHAT WITH NICKY

Supercharge Your Business!

Join us to receive expert podcast episodes and tips on how to achieve the work-life balance you've been craving while still watching your business grow.

The Dangerous Reality of Hustle Culture

The Dangerous Reality of Hustle Culture

by | Sep 23, 2024 | Business Chaos, Busy Trap, Juggle Street, Profitability and business growth, Smart Growth, Time Freedom

We live in a world that glorifies the hardcore hustle – the idea that working harder, longer, and faster is the only path to success.

But behind the scenes, this version of hustle culture that so many of us subscribe to is a leading cause of burnout, strained relationships, and declining mental health. 

This doesn’t just affect leaders; it impacts entire teams.

Have you ever felt that taking a break is a sign of weakness? 

Or that your worth is measured solely by your productivity?

The truth is, this relentless grind is unsustainable. 

It leads to exhaustion, not excellence. Worse, it often results in focusing on tasks instead of meaningful outcomes.

It’s time for a mindset shift.

We’ve all heard “hustle hard,” but what if that mindset is actually holding you back?

Success shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being.

How to Escape the Daily Whirlwind and Focus on Growth

The whirlwind of daily tasks can trap us in a cycle of busy, making us think the solution is to ‘work harder’. But real growth requires a smarter approach.

Here’s how you can break free:

  • Delegate tasks: Focus on what only you can do, and empower others to take ownership of the rest.
  • Set clear priorities: Align your daily actions (set weekly top 5’s) with your larger goals (quarterly milestones), both in business and in life. This clarity will make decision-making easier.
  • Carve out time for what matters: Block out regular time for deep work, strategic planning, and essential but often neglected tasks, like coaching your team or reviewing finances.

It’s time to step out of the whirlwind and into a space where you can focus on what really makes a difference.

BOOK A CHAT WITH NICKY

Supercharge Your Business!

Join us to receive expert podcast episodes and tips on how to achieve the work-life balance you've been craving while still watching your business grow.

Are you addicted to your business?

Are you addicted to your business?

by | Aug 9, 2024 | Business Chaos, Busy Trap, Juggle Street, Peak Performance, Smart Growth, Time Freedom

You dream of having a smoothly running business, a high-performing team, and the freedom to step back without the constant need for you to be in the business. 

After all, it’s why you went into business in the first place.

But what about when you achieve this ideal scenario? 

Have you stopped to consider the often-overlooked downside?

When your business no longer hinges on your every move, you may find yourself grappling with a surprising challenge: the lack of significance and validation that comes from being the go-to problem solver.

Because you’ve built your business from the ground up, it’s really hard to let go. 

The need to swoop in and save the day, to validate your importance through solving daily issues, can become addictive. 

Even when your team is performing well, it’s tempting to fall into the thought pattern of “I would’ve done it this way,” despite the fact your team is achieving the same results. 

This urge can make it difficult for you to step back and fully trust your team.

But the idea of having nothing to do can be simply daunting. 

Your fantasy of endless beach days can quickly turn into boredom. 

Because you’re wired for growth, always seeking the next challenge. 

This drive is part of your DNA as a successful business owner, but it can also be a double-edged sword, leading to what some experts call “entrepreneurial addiction”.

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and mental health author, describes addiction as compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. 

This definition is particularly relevant for business owners who find themselves compulsively working longer hours, neglecting personal relationships, and sacrificing health and well-being for the sake of their business.

Amy identifies 6 warning signs of entrepreneurial addiction:

1. Obsessive thoughts (constantly thinking about your business – getting new clients, introducing new products, the next onboarding round…)

2. Withdrawal (once that big pitch or project is done withdrawal symptoms can occur, boredom, depression, anxiety, a feeling of ‘coming down’)

3. Self-Worth problems (never acknowledging how far you’ve come or celebrating your successes before searching for the next big thing will impact your self-worth, it’s never enough)

4. Increased Tolerance to your substance of choice, in this case unhealthy ways of working (the long hours, no lunch breaks or lack of sleep become the normal way to function)

5. Neglect (other areas of life come second and are neglected – your health, family, time for you, hobbies, sleep)

6. Negative Outcomes (continuing your way of working despite the negative effects on your health, relationships, and life)

Do you see any of these warning signs in you?

If yes, then you need to break the cycle.

You can start this by setting clear boundaries – allocate specific times for work and personal activities, and stick to them. 

Celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your progress to maintain a healthy sense of self-worth. 

Most importantly, remember why you started your business in the first place. 

Reconnect with your initial goals and ensure they’re being met without compromising your well-being.

Taking these steps can help you regain control and create a sustainable work-life balance. 

If you find yourself struggling, consider booking a clarity call with me to discuss strategies to get yourself out of this mess. 

It’s time to move from being indispensable to leading a thriving, self-sufficient business so that you can enjoy the freedom and fulfilment you deserve.

Ness is a Business and Leadership Coach. Her approach is grounded in practicality and empathy because she believes in the power of careful, thoughtful decision-making that respects your needs. Having run successful coaching businesses since 2015, Ness is obsessed with helping business owners and leaders thrive. She helps her clients install smart business growth strategies and leverage leadership for peak performance.

BOOK A CLARITY CALL

Supercharge Your Business!

Join us to receive expert podcast episodes and tips on how to achieve the work-life balance you've been craving while still watching your business grow.

Grow Smart, Not Hard: Secrets to Building a Thriving Business 

Grow Smart, Not Hard: Secrets to Building a Thriving Business 

by | May 16, 2024 | Business Chaos, Busy Trap, Juggle Street, Peak Performance, Time Freedom

Smart growth in business isn’t about relentless hustle or sacrificing your well-being for the sake of performance. 

Instead, smart growth focuses on combining strong leadership and effective people strategies to ensure that you, your team, and your business thrive.

If you want to reclaim time and step away from being everything to everyone, so that you can work smarter, not harder then it’s time to lean into smart growth.

Let’s look at how you do this.

Strong People Leadership

By fostering a culture where your team can make decisions independently, you free yourself from daily operations.

This takes a commitment to empowering your team, coaching and supporting their skill development.

It also means you drop any micro-management behaviours that could have snuck in.

The payoff? 

Enhanced productivity and increased job satisfaction for you and your team. 

Redefining Business Success

What does success mean to you?

Is it just about turnover targets getting achieved at all costs?

Or does it include caring about your team’s mental health?

Is it about reacting to economic uncertainties at all costs? 

Or do you embrace challenges without compromising your health and that of your business? 

True success combines profitability with well-being, steering clear of burnout and building resilience against whatever challenges get thrown your way.

Strategic Focus for Daily Challenges

Managing a business or a team requires constant attention to operations, client delivery, and lead generation. 

It’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of the whirlpool and feel like you’re drowning.

The challenge is to remain proactive rather than reactive.

For you to remain forward-thinking and robust you need to step on the balcony and focus on the bigger picture.

Without the ability to take time to work on your business instead of in it, you are leaving yourself open to feeling like business is chaotic.

Empowerment Through Decision-Making

What would you rather – a team of decision-makers or a team of doers? 

Decision-makers need structures to follow to set them up for success.

They need to be able to make mistakes and learn from them, be supported to grow and learn.

This shift not only empowers your team but also ensures that the business can continue to operate effectively, even in your absence. 

When you have a team that operates autonomously, you get the time freedom to focus on whatever is next for you.

Where do you sit right now?

We’ve created a 60-second quiz for you to identify which phase of business growth you’re in.

Your results will identify which one of these four categories you fall into – Crisis, Build, Growth or Momentum mode.

And we’ll give you the blueprint to move to Momentum from whichever phase you’re in.

The blueprint includes our favourite tools (you’ll get access to them straight away) that are working for our clients at the moment with sales productivity, profit planning and team engagement.

Click here to do the survey now – https://businesstogether.typeform.com/smartgrowth?typeform

Ness is a Business and Leadership Coach. Her approach is grounded in practicality and empathy because she believes in the power of careful, thoughtful decision-making that respects your needs. Having run successful coaching businesses since 2015, Ness is obsessed with helping business owners and leaders thrive. She helps her clients install smart business growth strategies and leverage leadership for peak performance.

BOOK A CLARITY CALL

Supercharge Your Business!

Join us to receive expert podcast episodes and tips on how to achieve the work-life balance you've been craving while still watching your business grow.

The longer you’re in business, the more the stats are against you

The longer you’re in business, the more the stats are against you

by | Mar 28, 2024 | Business Chaos, Business coaching for women, Peak Performance, Profitability and business growth, Smart Growth

We’ve all heard the statistics when it comes to success or failure in business for startups (in case you haven’t, 60% of businesses will fail within the first 3 years*). 

But did you know the longer you’re in business, the more stats are against you?

Research shows that 80% of businesses will fail within 20 years⍏. 

My jaw dropped when I first read this. There’s so much focus on getting through the early years of business but there seems to be less emphasis on the seasoned businesses that have been around the block a few times. 

You’ve got the war wounds to show from turbulent times. The trophies in the pool room from the glory days. And apparently, you’re not out of the woods even with your many years of experience.  

Want to know the main reasons businesses fail^?

  • Lack of staff training
  • Business owners getting stuck in day-to-day operations 
  • Not having a strategy in place
  • Poor cash flow management

The best thing about these reasons for failure? Every single one is within your control! 

With the right blueprint and knowing where to focus your and your team’s attention, future proofing your business becomes easier. 

But here’s the thing, if you don’t address these potential pitfalls you could wind up being another sad statistic. 

You could be on the path to resenting your business, hitting the burnout wall or having to walk away from your business entirely. 

What are you doing today to upskill and support your team, to get unstuck from the day-to-day weeds, and be proactively strategic and planning for profit in your business?

If you don’t know where to start, we’ve created a Smart Growth Blueprint which you can access via this quick (60 second) survey. 

Here’s to thriving in business, and life! 

*Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics; ^The Australian Securities and Investments Commission; ⍏Clarify Capital

BOOK A CHAT WITH NICKY

Supercharge Your Business!

Join us to receive expert podcast episodes and tips on how to achieve the work-life balance you've been craving while still watching your business grow.

The Business Conundrum: Action vs. Non-Action

The Business Conundrum: Action vs. Non-Action

by | Mar 1, 2024 | Business Chaos, Peak Performance

Greg Plitt’s quote, “When every action has a purpose, every action has a result,” really hits home for me, especially when it comes to hitting a goal, whether that be a work or personal goal.

Think about it: every choice you make, every task you complete, all have the power to either move you closer to success or steer you off course.

That’s why it’s absolutely essential to make sure your actions are in line with your goals and purpose.

If they aren’t then you’re just wasting your time.

Some days back in my corporate job where I was receiving hundreds of emails a week, it felt like I was playing a game of Tetris, especially towards the end of the week when they came in thick and fast.

Although I was taking action and responding to emails, I wasn’t focused on what mattered the most, I was focused on what I could action quickly.

Has that ever happened to you: feeling busy doing stuff but not really getting anywhere?

Maybe you’ve been putting off important tasks, like those nerve-wracking sales conversations, only to realise later that of course it’s affecting your bottom line.

Trust me, I’ve been there—lots of coffee chats but not enough follow-through on the sales front, resulting in zero income during the first 3 months of my first business.

Whether you’re taking action or choosing not to, each move you make shapes the path your business takes.

So, how do you navigate through this?

Clarity and purpose are key.

Reconnecting to why your business exists, and what it’s here to achieve is the starting point.
It’s not just about setting goals; it’s about tying those goals to a bigger picture, and giving your team a clear vision to rally behind.

As a leader, it’s your job to communicate this purpose to your team in a way that they can connect with it.

Because when everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture, it adds meaning to what they do and helps to keep them engaged.

This clarity also makes decision-making easier for everyone involved and after all, isn’t that what you want from your team: the ability to make decisions for themselves instead of looking to you for all the answers?

Once you set your team up to succeed, it’s time to turn the mirror back on yourself.

Just because you can do everything doesn’t mean you should.

You need to set boundaries and identify your priorities.

Focus on doing things that align with your goals, and be mindful of what you’re sacrificing by saying yes to one thing over another, especially when it comes to outside of work time.

Here are some questions to help you decide on your priorities:

  • What’s most important right now?
  • What can wait?
  • Is this action moving me closer to my goal?
  • If I say yes to this, what am I giving up?

Treat these questions like a matter of life and death, and put your energy where it truly matters.

Consistently aligning your actions with your purpose and goals helps you steer clear of the unproductive busyness trap.

This role modelling helps to create a culture of purpose-driven action within your team, fostering autonomy and engagement.

Remember, every move you make shapes your business journey—so make sure to make each one count.

Meet Nicky & Ness

Supercharge Your Business!

Join us to receive expert podcast episodes and tips on how to achieve the work-life balance you've been craving while still watching your business grow.