Is it possible to have a business AND a life?

I was doing something I’d never done before. We had 9,000 square feet of wide open space in our fitness studio, and I was dancing. 

It was the first time in two years that I felt free enough to do anything like this. I’d put down my work, cranked up Flo Rida, and danced!

My best friend – one of my business partners – caught me dancing & looked at me with a smile – and a little sadness.

She said, “That’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh like YOU in a looong time. You don’t seem happy anymore.”

I stopped, out of breath, put my hands on my hips, and dipped my head to the side. It’s my I’m considering what you’re saying but I think you’re full of bullshit stance.

Hmph.

My days consisted of getting up at 4:30am getting to the studio by 5.  I’d run things all day long – behind the scenes and at the front desk – priding myself on how much I could get done.

During times of heavy traffic, “working” meant being there for clients. During slow times, I could really cross shit off my list. I was doing it all, 7 days a week, and calling it “passion.”

My VERY supportive husband understands start up life – and though he didn’t bat an eye when many nights I’d get home at 7:30pm, I may as well not have been there.

I’d eat, say hi to my family, and then get back to work because the load was crushing.

I was incredibly productive. We’d built something really amazing.

But I had no life.

I thought that owning a business meant I had to work all the time. I didn’t deserve to take a moment off because we weren’t making a profit.

Also, I have two fatal flaws:

1. I like to be the best at whatever I do.
2. I really love to work.

These characteristics are useful – until they go unchecked. Then I get knocked out of whack.

Back to me standing there, looking at Leslie, hands on my hips.

Dammit, I thought. She’s right. I don’t remember the last time I laughed. Listened to music just for the sake of listening to music. Had dinner with my family…without my phone! Or laptop.

• I marvel at how focused I was, how productive I could be. How hard I really worked.

• I marvel at what we built during that time.

• And looking back, I see that I could’ve eased up.

But I didn’t know how. I didn’t think I could take my hand off the wheel.

I didn’t know how to have a business and a life.

My marriage suffered. My son suffered. My relationship with my best friend suffered.

I suffered.

Has something taken over your life?

How long has it been since you’ve felt happy? Fulfilled? Peaceful?

What would it feel like to be able to breathe again?

Every day I help men & women overcome the overwhelm suffocating them. I watch them achieve their goals. Impress themselves.

It is my mission to never get to that place again for myself – and help as many people avoid it for themselves!

The best thing Leslie did that day was help me notice that I wasn’t breathing.

Are you? Breathing, I mean