{dress: banana republic // leather jacket: nordstrom // clutch: banana republic}
my how the time flies when you’re hustlin’ for a living…
no no, not some kind of illegal hustle, my dear friends.
i’m talking about the entrepreneur-what-am-i-doing-with-my-life-hustle.
i’m a firm believer that there are times in life when throwing all of your eggs in one basket (or in my case a few different baskets) is a must.
the journey is in the process and each day is a new adventure. and holy smokes, after 3 years, i’ve learned so damn much!
i’m pretty sure at this point i’ve mastered the hustle.
but i’m at a point asking will it ever end?!
when do i wake up and realize i’m that super independent lady boss living in her OWN mountainside pad?!
one with enough time to enjoy living in the mountains and can hire the best people to help her run her company?!
part of me thrives off the hustle and bustle, but a big part of me craves the outdoors to refuel.
and finding that balance can be rough.
sooo, here are a few things to remind myself that the hustle is real. and worth it! (also open to any and all suggestions because…..life)
1. schedule: juggling three hustle jobs (the scout guide jackson hole, real estate, and this here blog) takes up a TON of time. i found myself having to schedule in a phone call with my mom today and i was immediately pissed off. my mom and i are homies and i never want to feel like i can’t pick up the phone, but right now this is my reality. i just keep reminding myself that it’s only temporary and hey, at least i am finding the time to call her! so pro tip #1 (and NO i’m not a pro, thats just a trendy thing to say), schedule and plan everything. you’re in the grit it of, so your life calls for some serious scheduling, but make sure to include downtime and also…..CALL YOUR MOTHER!
2. say no. i learned to say no and it’s so freeing. as much as i want to go to every dinner party, concert, or trip, i just can’t. and guess what, it’s okay! i’m devoting this part of my life to my career, so that means running myself too thin won’t end well. my best friend just told me she has finally told her family she can’t go on vacation with them and how much better she feels for taking care of herself. the reality that we are expected to attend and be present at everything is just too much. it’s okay to say no, even to family and friends. they will still love you. (i hope)
3. hire help! i’m by no means rolling in the dough but i understand that you need to spend money to make money. note: money can buy you partial sanity. i hired my associate editor part time last year and she’s been a dream. i was willing to take a pay cut for the right help and it’s been worth every penny and then some. plus, she knows what i suck at and takes over those areas. also, after having legit panic attacks while looking at finances, i googled a local accountant and i can’t tell you how much stress that has taken off of me. someone once told me to hire someone who can do your job better than you, and i’m mighty grateful i did for both of those roles. it allows me time to focus on what i’m good at and the things that made me want to start the hustle in the first place.
4. know your body, mind, and gut. i’ve been on a bit of a spiritual journey (insert peace signs), and it has really helped me realize what works well for ME. i’ve realized my body needs lots of greens to function, gets pretty sleepy after carbs, requires a jolt of coffee first thing in the morning, needs a weekly energy work sesh, daily meditations are a must, an hour of outdoor exercise rejuvenates my soul, and MOST importantly, i require 10 hours of sleep. the zzzzzz’s are absolutely crucial for me and nothing will get in my way. i may or may not schedule naps when i need em, read number 1. so, know your body and try not to push it, although there are days that you will. having good friends on text speed dial for freak outs is key to life.
5. blogging about it to the internet is incredibly soothing. thank you, steve jobs.
6. find your peeps. i’m constantly looking for new and inspiring books and podcasts to keep the fire lit under my butt and to remember that we’re all in this together, and people have gone before me! plus, i wanna know what they did RIGHT. once a week, i dedicate one hour to educating myself on my work or the entrepreneur world. that’s either a new webinar about web traffic, mastering a photography skill, learning to edit in lightroom faster, or meeting business goals. youtube is a wonderful free world when you let it be. my blogger friends are so helpful when it comes to helping a sister out and locally i love to grab a coffee with those who have paved the way before me! each meeting or note taking session relights my passion.
6. it’s all worth it in the end. the relationships i’ve made, the skills that i’ve learned, and the growth that i’ve had has been so worth it, even thus far! i’m still figuring it all out and welcome all ideas on how to stay sane. i’d love to know how other entrepreneurs keep running while their nose is on the grind! and if someone could tell me approximately when it will all end (most importantly when dat dough will start to roll in), then i can order a new bikini and get ready for a long hiatus on the beach.
keep at it, friends!