Recently, a student of The Client Attraction Business School who runs a very successful interior design company told me that she was completely overwhelmed.

Despite the fact that she has a great team in place and effective systems, things weren’t getting done fast enough.

After a few clarifying questions, it became clear that she was actually the one getting in the way.

Even though she wanted things to be moving faster, she was the one slowing things down by being too involved in her business.

Because so many entrepreneurs are overwhelmed, even when they’re successful, I recorded a video to help you navigate these waters:

To get yourself out of being involved with everything (and able to focus on the big things!) you’ll need to do less, better.

In this week’s short 5-minute video, I’ve outlined what you can do to get over the feeling of being over-involved.

After you’ve watched the video, understanding that to accomplish more, you have to do less, better, please let me know in the comments section:

If you could focus on just one project to significantly move your business forward, at the exclusion of all other projects, what would that one project be?

Is it writing a book? Bringing on a team? Scaling your existing business models? Systematizing your entire business? I’d like to know… Please leave your answers in the comments section of the blog and I will see you there!

Sending you lots of love,
Fabienne

P.S. We just had the pleasure of welcoming a new class of students into The Client Attraction Business School after the Mindset Retreat event! Just want to give them a shout-out because they are truly awesome and ready for BIG things.

If you’re ever interested in learning more about our Business School, you can click here to easily schedule a free Strategy Call with one of our caring Strategy Coaches, to map out your next 12 months. We’re here to help. 🙂

As a business owner working towards reaching the six-figure mark, you may run the risk of working yourself into the ground. This is particularly true for entrepreneurs as you revamp and tweak things to get to the next level. The problem is that when you work so hard that you start to burn out and deplete your energy, you actually can become “client unattractive” instead of “client attractive.”

Speaking for myself, when this happens I become cranky, resentful and sort of snappy… This is not the right energy or mindset for client attraction.

Here is the number one most important thing for you to realize as a self-employed individual:

There is no such thing as a completed to-do list.

Maybe this is possible in the corporate world, but it’s not for business owners. We always have more ideas about how to grow the company. That’s why it makes sense to follow these strategies to avoid overdoing things.

1. Set boundaries. When it’s getting late in the day and you are at the end of your rope, ask yourself, “Will anyone be harmed if I don’t complete this today?” This may sound like I’m going against my “no excuses” approach, but it’s different really…

Of course I want you to be willing to do what others are not willing to do and take the no excuses approach. The question is, “At what price?” You have a life, and you may have a spouse and children. Overtaxing yourself is not fair to anybody, especially you.

That’s why you must draw the line in the sand and have an end time to your day. At 5:30 or 6 or 7 P.M., you are done. Anything beyond this time will not be nearly as productive as you could be if you approached the task the next day after some rest. Make this end time non-negotiable and stick to it relentlessly.

2. Carve out time for business development. Sometimes the problem has to do with working in your business vs. working on it. That’s why I would rather carve out a day to focus on business development then try cramming it in late at night. In the end, overworking limits your ability to listen for the divine guidance you need. When you are too busy, you start ignoring the signs and gentle guidance. Set aside time to work on your business and separate this from your daily activities.

3. Understand your to-do list is never done. Sometimes you have to let yourself off the hook and the hardest boundary is often with yourself. Your to-do list will not get finished today – and that’s OK. If you rest and keep yourself energized, you’ll stay healthy and enthusiastic to tackle that list tomorrow. Your quality of life is very important. On occasion you may choose to work late, but not on a regular basis, so as to enjoy other aspects of life as well.

Your Client Attraction Assignment

Create a list of standards and terms of what you will accept for your life. Set boundaries and rules for yourself around these things and then stick to them to avoid burnout. It really is just as simple as that, and it will make all the difference in your quality of life.

This is just one of the many best practices we dive deep into with the students of The Client Attraction Business School, the premier training school for growth-minded entrepreneurs looking to quickly attract more clients and make more money. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit www.ClientAttractionBusinessSchool.com for more details. To speak to an enrollment coach, click here.

Maybe this has happened to you: you take a few classes, read a book or two or attend a conference and feel completely overwhelmed. You’re overflowing with new ideas, but feel drained by all the options.

This has happened to me. I’ve been on the seminar circuit and I return home with notebooks full of great ideas, tips and strategies. But there is no time to implement anything. I’ve been depleted and wonder where to start because there is just so much to do.

This situation can actually give you marketing paralysis. Here’s what I have done to combat overwhelm that will help you too.

1. Make a list of everything you need to do
Instead of a simple list, I make a map of everything on my plate. Take out a piece of paper and turn it horizontally. In the center, draw an oval and label it “My Projects.” Next, draw an oval for everything you have to do, including personal items. Connect each oval to the center one.

2. Review your to-do list and ask four questions
Your list will be way too big. To remedy that, look at each item and ask yourself these questions. Which three things can I get done that would:
• Bring in the most money quickly
• Get completed in the least amount of time
• Take the least amount of effort
• Have the greatest long-term impact

Put stars next to the three projects you select.

3. Work on chosen projects and follow through
Make a plan for how you will get the three items done. Schedule time on your calendar and set the intention to follow through until they are complete. You will need to push the “pause button” on all other items and hold to your commitment. This gives you the time and space to feel less overwhelmed.

4. Celebrate what you did do every day
At the end of every workday, note five things you are happy about finishing. They could be:
• I’m happy I closed that client
• I’m glad I wrote that letter
• I’m glad my desk is organized

Approach each day feeling satisfied that you accomplished something. Otherwise, every day will be another day you “didn’t get enough done,” which diminishes your enthusiasm, optimism and confidence. Even if you only get one thing done each workday, that’s 260 tasks you’ve completed in a year.

5. Take a Break
Sometimes you just need a day off. Don’t email, answer the phone or write anything. Fill your day with activities you love. Do you like to meditate, run or cook? Choose joyful activities that help you relax.

The idea is to have one day that’s 100% about you. Maybe take the whole weekend off, and then come back refreshed on Monday to start working on those three items.

Your Client Attraction Assignment
Give yourself permission to get the rest you need without guilt. Don’t berate yourself for getting nothing done because that is counter-productive. Enjoy your down time as much as possible, knowing that your projects will be waiting for you.

This is just one of the many best practices we dive deep into with the students of The Client Attraction Business School, the premier training school for growth-minded entrepreneurs looking to quickly attract more clients and make more money. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit www.ClientAttractionBusinessSchool.com for more details. To speak to an enrollment coach, click here.