Don't know how to slow down and enjoy life more? Here's how she did it.
At a point in your life where you’re trying to slow down and enjoy life more yet don’t exactly know where to go from here?
You know a lot of the systems you’ve been using and the old ways of thinking about time and productivity aren’t serving you anymore and you’re not sure what else things could look like?
You’re not alone.
The pandemic has made quite a lot of people
Rethink what they’re doing with their lives
How they spend their time, and
Finally, realize they have needs and desires…like slowing down… they need to listen to.
Learn about how Kasia slowed down and the massive impact it had on her business, relationships, and health.
Tell us who you are and what you do.
Hi! I’m Kasia, a specialist in the field of menstrual cycle disorders, and a graduate of pharmacy and clinical nutritionist at Wiecej Niz Hormony.
Why did you want to work with me?
I was at a point in my life where I was slowing down, and I knew a lot of things I used to do didn’t work for me.
My systems didn’t work because I was trying to fit myself into them, instead of the opposite.
I didn’t know how to create my own flexible structure.
What doubts did you have before working together?
I was trying to figure out if I really needed this or if it was just a whim.
I was worried that I would place all of my future hopes in it, and I didn’t want to do that to myself again.
Of course, financially I wasn’t sure if it was the best time or if it wasn’t worth it…. BUT it was one of the best decisions of my life.
What has been your favorite part so far?
Every part!
I am in the center, and I am able to make decisions for myself. There are no shoulds and pressure.
The space you created for me is so calming and loving.
You ask me so many questions… permission to tell you something, what our next steps are.
I feel taken care of!
What would you say was the biggest thing that changed for you?
I let go of all the shoulds and musts and prioritize myself. Even though it sounds so simple and everyone talks about that, I didn’t do it because I thought there are still things I should do, rules to follow in order to be successful in my life and business. I now put myself first when it comes to my schedule and to-do lists.
My business grew and I earn more money.
I finally know so much more about myself and my needs.
I decluttered my life from so many things that don’t serve me.
I’m so much more in tune with myself, respect myself more, my time more.
My google calendar doesn’t scare me anymore, finally!
…and so much more. I could talk about this forever.
Who would you recommend me to work with?
People who are struggling with finding the perfect time management system.
People who want to live more in tune with themselves, want to discover their values, and want to live a peaceful joyful life.
Any last thoughts?
It was one of the best investments of my life working with you.
It completely transformed my life in a way I couldn’t even believe was possible.
Want earning more money while feeling in tune with yourself to be way less stressful and painful? Apply to work with me here.
5 Critical steps to take when shiny object syndrome is slowing your business growth
Have you ever…
Threw money at a problem only to realize later it didn’t solve your issue?
Found yourself paying for and or taking course after course and not implementing most of what you learned?
Had a million and four ideas for new products or services, and you jump from one idea to the next without really seeing them through?
Answered yes to any of these? You might be suffering from shiny object syndrome.
If business owners aren’t careful, they can easily find themselves trapped by something termed shiny object syndrome.
Find yourself in this boat? Don’t fret! Keep reading to find out how to get your focus back.
Written by: Leslie Taylor & Associates
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my business and watched my clients face is trying to figure out where to focus limited resources—time and money.
Even though I help entrepreneurs do this by providing them with greater insight into their businesses, the decisions are generally not easy, there are usually additional unknowns, and there is always some level of risk.
If you have been in business for any length of time, you likely understand by now that the name of the game is to figure things out as quickly as possible before you run out of money.
Figuring “it” out refers to understanding the right combination of things that will allow us to see cash flowing into our businesses and ultimately into our pockets. While we want to figure “it” out as soon as possible, sustainable business growth takes time. So, on the one hand, while we can and should learn from others, there are some things we must learn and validate on our own.
Ultimately, no matter how smart the owner, every business has gaps, inefficiencies, and things that no one on the team is good at doing.
Fortunately, there are a million and one options for fixing all the things.
Unfortunately, there are a million and one options for fixing all the things.
What is shiny object syndrome?
Shiny object syndrome is a type of distraction in which an individual is constantly chasing new, different, or the shiniest and most exciting things, and never making real progress.
Shiny object syndrome can distract to the point that a business ultimately fails because it never properly identifies and addresses the critical issues.
As an entrepreneur, you might have suffered from shiny object syndrome if:
You purchased a solution to a problem only to realize later that that particular solution didn’t solve your most pressing issue
You find yourself paying for and or taking course after course or working with coach after coach and not implementing most of what you learned
You have a million and four ideas for new products or services, and you jump from one idea to the next and on to the next…and the next never really seeing them through
If this is you, or has been you at some point in time, here are a few steps you can take.
What to do if you’re experiencing shiny object syndrome?
1) Ask WHY?
Do you have a sales problem, an expense problem, a profitability problem, or an operations problem?
While the cause of the issue could be due to a variety of things, most issues fall within one of these four areas. It is worth noting that it is possible to have some combination of these four.
Often by getting to the core of the problem, it is easier to determine the next action.
A sales problem looks like your business doesn’t have a steady and semi-controllable stream of clients and customers paying for your goods and services. It could be that sales activity is low, or that it fluctuates greatly. Any solutions forward must directly address the sales issue, if not you are wasting time and money.
An expense problem means a business hasn’t assessed its spending for money leaks. The solution forward must help the business look for and correct the money leaks before they run out of resources.
A profitability problem means the business is making sales consistently, but the money in the bank account doesn’t show it. The business has low or no cash even though the money keeps flowing in and clients/ customers are buying. The solution forward should first help identify the source of the profitability problem (pricing, excessive discounting, etc.), then help you address the issue.
An operations problem means that something in the way the business is doing business is keeping it from reaching goals. Maybe one of your employees is overloaded (maybe that is you, the owner), perhaps your customer experience is lacking in some way, or maybe your product has quality issues, or possibly your website is slow and potential clients get frustrated and leave. Again, the solution forward must address the operations issue directly.
2) Set goals for your business
Create goals for your business for the year that include a financial roadmap (budget) and look at your goals daily or weekly.
To stay focused, I keep a copy of my vision posted in my office and try to look at my goals every Monday morning before starting the week.
3) Be accountable to your goals
When considering any solution to grow or improve your business hold it up against your goals.
Possibly, more importantly, hold it up against your budget. How will this be paid for? Cash, loan, credit card, owner financed from personal funds?
4) Plan New Ventures
Vet new product and service ideas through a business plan format.
No, you may not need to create a full-blown business plan, but consider all the sections of a business plan and take the new idea through each section— goals, target market, the problem you are solving, marketing plans, and financial projections. Especially financial projections because you are in business to do what??? Make MONEY!
5) Give it a chance
Give new product or service ideas a real chance before you consider moving on to the next thing.
Once launched, give it at least 6 months and during that time gather feedback and make adjustments as needed based on that feedback.
Still unsure of how to heal shiny object syndrome?
Even with all these techniques, staying focused is still not an easy task for busy entrepreneurs. There are simply too many things calling for our attention.
When I am most needing to stay focused or accountable, I have found the use of an accountability partner or group to be helpful so that I could be more focused on those really big things that will move my business significantly.
If you need help determining whether you have a revenue, expense, profitability, or operations problem, or you simply need help tracking and understanding what is going on in your business, Leslie Taylor can help. As a business solutions expert, she has helped dozens of businesses untangle complex issues and clarify a path to greater profitability. Schedule a Discovery Session with her now.
Want to learn more profitable strategies for your business? Check out Leslie’s free guide 5 Things You Must Do If you Want To Increase Your Profits.
About the contributor:
Leslie Taylor is the Chief Profitability Strategist of Leslie Taylor & Associates Business Solutions where she helps small businesses maximize their potential of profitability.
10 Powerful mindset shifts to revolutionize how you spend your time and money
“How do I take more time off without impacting my revenue and income?“
If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re in the right place.
Dave, from Turning Point Financial Life Planning, joins me for an in-depth interview about the real and deep connection between time and money.
You will walk away with:
Tangible language around the relationship between the two and why our resources always seem to be in opposition.
Clarity on what you can and can’t control when it comes to your time and money.
How holistic financial planning and time management is the key to finding your unique balance.
Tools we use to create time and money abundance in our lives and businesses.
How do you see the connection between time and money?
Dave
There is of course a relationship between time and money. We use time to earn money. We use money to buy ourselves time.
But what’s most striking to me about both time and money - is how many of us have a relationship with both time and money which is defined by scarcity.
There’s never enough time. There’s never enough money.
But what’s interesting is that while our immediate time and money resources often feel exceptionally constrained, we often assume that time and money resources will be more abundant in the future.
These beliefs might sound something like: I can’t save for retirement right now, but I’m sure it’ll all work out. I don’t have time to rest and recuperate right now, but as soon as I [insert goal here] I’ll be able to.
The trick is, of course, that all we ever have is the present moment.
How you are — and how you think — in the present moment is quite likely how you will be and how you’ll think in future present moments.
So what to do? We train ourselves to think, and relate, differently to money and time.
I believe this retraining begins with a deep reflection on who you are and what you want. What is important to you? How do you want to be leading your life?
Answering these questions is hard work. And it isn’t easy.
Aligning your use of time and money with a deeply meaningful and fulfilling experience of living is not a quick fix. It is a life-long practice.
But it’s incredibly rewarding and worthwhile.
Becca
Time and money are tools that societies have developed with the intention to help us live more collaboratively. The main difference between them though is money is completely invented by humans, while time is inherently natural–the sun rising and setting every day, standardized and commoditized.
Just like any other tool, both time and money can be used in a healthy and beneficial way on a collective and individual level, or in a corrupt and scarce way.
When an individual has enough time and money, most people would say they have a good quality of life. Almost everyone I work with as a time coach, as well as myself personally, is aiming for this sweet spot. Also, when an organization uses its time and money in a healthy way, they are able to make a positive difference in the lives they impact and one would most likely say that is the definition of success.
How often is this sufficient sweet spot achieved (or even noticed), individually or collectively? Rarely, unfortunately.
Why? I believe this for two main reasons.
The complex relationship that exists between us and the two.
Time and money are deeply intertwined: How we spend our time, impacts the amount of money we have. Likewise, how we spend our money, impacts the amount of time we have. Often the more we have, the more we’re able to create.
How each of us experience, use, and feel about both time and money are impacted by who we are as humans, our experiences, and our outlook on the world.Corruption and scarcity.
There’s a lot that can be said about why, how, and where. But if I had to summarize it: Our economic system, as we know it, is completely dependent on how much of our time (human life) can be bought as cheaply as possible to turn into a profit. This has created a society that is individualistic, and competitive and highlights a scarce relationship when it comes to our time and money.
Over the years, we’ve been taught to equate our influence and worth as humans with how much money or time we have. When one doesn’t have or doesn’t feel like they have, enough money, time, or both, there is often a felt sense of failure.
What can I control when it comes to time/money?
Dave
I have good news and bad news.
The BAD news is that you can control virtually nothing when it comes to time, money (or anything else in life).
The GOOD news is that you can control virtually nothing when it comes to time, money (or anything else in life).
Much as we might try and resist this inconvenient fact, we have the ability to control only two things: our attention and our actions.
That’s it. Your attention and your actions. That’s all you’ve got. What are you paying attention to right now? You can control where you direct that attention. What action are you taking right now? You can control that action.
But there’s a catch! (Isn’t there always a catch?) You can only control your attention and actions IN THE PRESENT MOMENT.
Literally, everything other than your current-moment actions and attention is outside of your control.
But this is actually good news - it can be a relief to recognize we can only do what we can do - and we can let go of trying to control the rest.
There is SO MUCH in your financial life that’s out of your control. Pretty much everything! That’s ok. You can let that go.
And then… let’s focus on where you can direct your attention… and what intentional actions you can perform to begin your journey to financial health and wholeness.
Becca
There’s a lot out there we don’t have control over in our world. However, because money and time are human constructs, I believe we have control of quite a bit.
We have control over:
What we do with the time and money we have. We get to vote with our minutes and dollars for the kind of world we want to see.
How we think and feel about time and money.
How much is enough in our lives.
I also know the overwhelm or apathy that can set in when thinking about how big and messy the world is can melt away when we focus on what we do have control over. How might you focus on what you have control over?
What is holistic financial planning?
Holistic financial planning takes care of you as a whole human being. It doesn’t impose unrealistic budgets (or any other unrealistic constraints) upon you, because it incorporates your humanity.
The whole point of financial planning is to build a better life for you as you actually are - not as you (or anyone else) thinks you should be.
Holistic financial planning begins with you and your life. What do you want your experience of living to be like? What do you want to spend your time doing? How much do you want to work? Beyond work, what else do you need time, money and energy for?
Holistic financial planning includes working to let go of productivity as self-worth (thank you, Brené Brown). We then intentionally structure meaningful and financially rewarding work as one part of your overall life plan.
Once we’ve thoughtfully defined the life you want, we get about the work of structuring your financial resources to support that great life. That is actually the easy part!
Sure, there are things to learn and work to do, but the hardest work is getting clear about your vision for your life. Don’t worry - I’ve got some tools to help you bring some clarity and definition to your great life. If you’d like, you can get a sneak preview here.
What is holistic time management?
There are millions of blog posts, articles, podcast episodes, and books out there giving advice on time management and productivity. However, even with all the advice out there, how many people truly feel like they have enough time and are able to spend their time how they want to?
Millions of people. Why?
Regular ol’ time management has one main goal: Be more productive and efficient at work. With the general undertone or implication to make more money, oftentimes for your company or boss. Traditional time management and productivity gurus say to be more productive at work and get everything done first to earn, self-care, rest, or time-off.
But we know that to-do lists never end and believing we can work really hard to get ahead only leads to stress, overwhelm, burnout, and often less money or success. That’s where holistic time management comes in.
Holistic time management’s one main goal is: Spend your time in a way that makes you healthy and fulfilled today.
The assumption in traditional time management is flipped on its head and says you can get everything done easier and achieve everything you want when you prioritize your well-being first. Because when you’re well-rested, healthy, happy, energized, and taken care of…time becomes abundant.
If you had to pick one tool to share, which do you think is most impactful?
Dave
Engaging with your money stuff and structuring your financial life - whether you hire someone like me to help you build a holistic financial plan - is NOT a one-and-done project. Rather, navigating our money is an ongoing practice.
For that reason, I believe that cultivating a consistent practice of engaging with your money and your finances is the single most powerful tool out there. Especially as a small business owner, you have myriad financial tasks to execute and money matters to contemplate.
For (almost) everyone I suggest the practice of a weekly “money date.” The money date isn’t an original idea, but I sorta have my own take on it. You can hear me speak in greater detail about the money date here.
The core of a money date is a weekly, scheduled time for you to sit with your money stuff — and see what comes up.
This isn’t a time to actually accomplish anything. Rather, it’s a time to simply be present, to bring your awareness to some financial matter. And be curious about what you discover. Curious about the external details. And curious about what internal, emotional responses and bodily sensations arise within you.
We engage to make better friends with our emotional responses, especially those which are a bit more challenging to hold (like fear, anxiety, or worry). By holding this space for exploration, your next, empowering money steps will begin to reveal themselves.
Becca
You!
There is so much pressure, information, and noise out there telling us how to best organize and spend our time. There are a ton of tools… and I believe they all can work.
The real tool is who you are, your core values, and what makes you tick. You don’t have to go searching outside of yourself. Pause, tune out the noise, ask yourself how you want to spend your time… and then do that.
Sounds simple, but oftentimes the most simple thing is the most powerful.
As a holistic time coach I get to help people leverage who they are in order to live more consciously, fully, and joyfully in their relationship with time. The work I do with my clients is profound because it all starts with getting to know who they are in relation to their time. It’s a time management tool, skill, and hack all wrapped up into one.
What’s a time and money quote you live by?
Dave
This quote has nothing to do with time or money. And it has everything to do with time and money.
When we’re thinking that we’re competent or that we’re hopeless—what are we basing it on? On this fleeting moment? On yesterday’s success or failure? We cling to a fixed idea of who we are and it cripples us. Nothing and no one is fixed.
That’s from Pema Chödrön’s book The Places That Scare You. And I’ve found money is often a place that scares us!
Becca
I have two I have to share here:
Scarcity is a lie. Independent of any actual amount of resources, it is an unexamined and false system of assumptions, opinions, and beliefs from which we view the world as a place where we are in constant danger of having our needs unmet.” - Lynne Twist from The Soul of Money.
I grew up in a false scarcity of time and money, but it felt just as real. I’m continuously working on healing my scarcity relationship and this quote helps me do that. It’s firm, convincing, and direct… all of which I need to make my overthinking mind take a pause and say “oh, yeah… that’s true.”
As long as you’re oriented toward the future, you can never just relax into what you already have or already are.” -Pema Chodron
Apparently, Pema Chodron has deeply impacted our relationship with time and money, Dave! Love it. As a buddhist, Pema reminds me that life is short, uncertain, and scary as hell. That’s why I live by this quote. It’s the solution required to heal scarcity and fear.