I sat there staring at my screen asking myself over and over “what the hell are you going to talk about today?” Every day was the same. Work through my to-do list, play with the kids, and then stress over creating content to share on social media.

I had been working one-on-one with clients for a few months and was just beginning to believe there was a little potential in my business. But, I was still struggling.

I knew to build a scalable business; I had to grow my audience. 

  • To grow my audience, I had to show value and build connections.
  • To show value, I had to create content.
  • To build connections, I had to create opportunities to connect.

But for some reason, I had convinced myself it was easier to create content on the fly, using whatever felt right at that given moment.

Now, here’s an ugly truth about this situation—my content creation process had nothing to do with what was easier. Really, I just wasn’t ready or willing to step up and into my role as the owner of my business.

You see, I spent the first few months making things up and trying to figure things out as I went. I had 12 years of experience working for other organizations; putting plans in place, turning ideas into action, and helping them grow. But, doing the same thing for my own business felt different. It was scary. So instead, I did what I was comfortable with and focused on my client’s work—keeping myself too busy to create a strategy of my own.

I was out of my element, exhausted, and lost. Between nap times and the drive to preschool, I was squeezing in about 15 hours of work each week and it never felt like enough time. I was glued to my phone to create content, typing away on posts and sending messages to new connections, while my little ones were running around, vying for my attention. Yes, I made it work. And, sometimes making it work is all you can do—but it didn’t have to be that way.

Eventually, I began working with a client who needed to build her online presence from scratch. Despite years and years of experience in-person, she was out of her element and uncomfortable with the online world. She was struggling to find her voice to share online. I immediately saw myself in her.

I realized I was uncomfortable too! I was scared of putting my whole self out there so I hid behind my clients, not applying what I knew to my own business. I knew if I tried, I could also fail and that was terrifying.

As we broke down the right strategy for her to create content; emails, blog posts, and social media—it clicked. I wasn’t making it easier for myself; I was making it more difficult.

Something needed to change if I was going to grow my business and live to my fullest potential and I was finally ready to make those changes.

  • I needed to re-prioritize what I should be working on. My business shouldn’t be an after-thought.
  • I needed to take a serious look at my time management and set myself up to be productive. This meant starting to batch my work and no more staring at my screen while swearing to myself.
  • I needed to start taking my advice and plan my content and strategy. It was time to create content that aligned with my business plan and aim for growth!
  • I needed to remember that I am the CEO and owner of my business—I am ultimately in control of its success.

These four shifts weren’t easy, but they drastically changed how I approach my business and how I approach each day. With these changes, I no longer feel pressured to create content. Instead, I know what I create is valuable and if I feel like it, I now have the confidence and space to create on the fly. I still have to-do lists and I still prioritize my clients, but they are no longer the only priority.

I’ve realized, to have a functioning business that grows, you need to not only work for your clients—but also yourself.

To be successful, to achieve your goals, and to create the best version of your life, you need to own your own business and the actions that can help support both you and your business.

Building a business is not easy, but it is harder if you don’t put the work in. You see, there is a very fine line between creating a successful business and an enjoyable hobby. Chances are, if you are struggling to build a successful business, something needs to change.