This weekend, I’ve been taking some time off and went skiing in Austria (Hochzillertal) together with Joerg, a buddy of mine (he has nothing to do with Internet marketing, though). It was a great trip and we had excellent weather over there. I had to take the easier slopes because Joerg isn’t that experienced in skiing and I didn’t want to let him ski all on his own all the time:
But I took one of the more difficult slopes at least twice so I could get a little more speed and have some more fun since I really love skiing.
It had really been time to take another vacation even it was just for a weekend. It’s of no use to keep working and working and sitting in front of your PC all day long. Besides that, I’m really getting overweight because of not being active enough. But I am working on melting some of my pounds again but that’s another story…
The point I’m trying to make is: Don’t lose sight of why you are building your business. You’re certainly not building your business in order to slave away like if you’re an employee again. Have something to look forward to – something that helps you to break away from your business. And I don’t mean watching TV or playing video games. Get active and cultivate some hobbies of yours. Make entries into your calendar for private things you’re looking forward to.
If you have a wife/husband and children, don’t neglect them because you are trying to build your online business. Most of the times, working 18 hours non-stop won’t get you anywhere near success. You need to work smarter, not harder! Only spend most of your time on revenue generating activities instead of reading dozens of salesletters for the latest “must have” products or lurking into forums without posting anything.
You need to know WHY you are building an online business. Is it because you want to be financially independent or because you want to be able to spend more time with your family or on activities you love? Whatever it is, don’t lose sight of it and for every 20 days you work, take at least 1-2 days off without any distractions. Do not get in front of a PC at all during that time. If you have a business which is flourishing and you think you can’t leave your business for even 1 day, then you’re doing something wrong.
Hire someone to take care of your customer support. Don’t be the person who is responsible for everything. Outsource everything that can be done by others so you can be stress free again or at least reduce your stress. One of the great advantages of a web based business is that these kind of online jobs can be done by anyone with a computer so the person you’re hiring doesn’t even have to live in your own city…
Simply have fun again and enjoy life. It is too short to just waste it in front of a computer!
Let me know what your opinion on this issue is…
Interesting thoughts.
Surely, though, you cannot “enjoy life” until all is going well financially.
I am lucky as I live alone and have no family or social events so I CAN spend 16 hours a day 7 days a week in front of the computer.
I feel sorry for those with family or social commitments as they will have to sacrifice valuable work time.
Plenty of time for going to the pub when you’re making 5 figures a month.
Until that day…………………
The Grumpy Old Chef
Hi Detlev,
Nice article. It reminded me why I’m working on my business. I am new to the internet and want to build my business so that I can walk away from a traditional job. I hate missing out on my kids activities and spending time with them and my wife. There’s so much to learn and never enough time it seems. I want to be able to experience life with my family, not just exist. Thanks for the reminder.
Rdean
Hi Clive,
I’m single, too. That doesn’t mean that I am working 18 hours a day. You need to be doing the right things to make enough money. I know enough people who are simply spending too much time in front of a PC.
When building a business, you need to focus on the most important things: Building a list and offering products which people really want! And you certainly don’t have to do this 16 hours a day in order to make a living online. If that’s the case then you have chosen the wrong niche to get into!
And not all the things which I meant by “enjoying life” need to cost money. I also enjoy riding a mountain bike in the forrests nearby. Or I can go hiking – there are plenty of activities which are (still) free.
Detlev
Hi Detlev,
thanks for the timely little reminder about taking a bit of “me” time – I have been burning the midnight oil a little too much recently!
I was made redundant from my job last year, and I’ve been concentrating on Internet Marketing (and a couple of other personal-interest sidelines) as I am very determined to be my own boss & avoid working in corporate life again – the stress and negativity are just not worth the impact on my health, mental or physical! I can truly say “thank you” to my company for giving me the kick in the rear I needed to try something for me!
I’ve only recently joined your list but have already got some interesting information & tips that have helped me with improving my websites.
thanks,
Tracey
Nice reminder……
The “WHY” is one of the most important factors in deciding to start any business…including internet marketing
If you are not enjoying life, why are you working so hard anyway