Livelihood vs. Life: Finding harmony and remembering to live outside your livelihood
Hello entrepreneurs and solopreneurs, and welcome - I’m so grateful you’re here.
Today, I want to tackle a concept that’s been on my heart for a while now: The fundamental difference between your livelihood and your life. This is a concept every entrepreneur should explore to truly understand the delicate balance between the business we breathe life into every day and the life we live outside of our business.
So many of us, especially when starting out, blur the lines between these two vital components. We hustle our hearts out to birth our business dreams into reality, often at the cost of other important facets of our lives. I get it, I've been there too. And while the passion and drive are beautiful, let me be the first to remind you: Your business is your livelihood, not your whole life.
When we talk about our livelihood, we refer to the means by which we sustain ourselves. It's how we put food on the table, afford our lifestyle, and create financial stability. It's also often a platform for expressing our passions, creating impact, and making a difference in the world. That's powerful.
But let's not forget: Your livelihood is only a part of your life. It's not the entirety of your existence. Life is so much more expansive, more holistic. It encompasses your relationships, your health, your personal development, your spirituality, and yes, your leisure and downtime, too!
Without a doubt, being an entrepreneur demands a significant chunk of your time, energy, and attention. But it's essential to remember that the best business people aren't those who work the longest hours, but those who know how to balance their business with their personal lives.
When you strike that balance, magic happens. Your energy levels improve. You become more creative, more efficient, and surprisingly, you might even become more productive. More importantly, you'll have the time and energy to savor the sweetness of life that’s not confined to your business sphere. And guess what? It's from this holistic abundance that true, sustainable success is born.
Remember, success doesn't always equate to the number of zeros in your bank account or the reach of your latest social media campaign. True success means having freedom - the freedom to choose your working hours, the freedom to spend quality time with loved ones, and the freedom to engage in hobbies that bring you joy. And this freedom comes from harmony between your livelihood and your life.
Striving for this balance doesn't mean you’re losing sight of your entrepreneurial ambition. On the contrary, you're creating a fertile environment where success, happiness, and peace of mind can coexist. It's a win-win situation, and you deserve nothing less.
So let's commit today to strive not just for a prosperous livelihood but for a rich, fulfilling, and harmonious life. Remember, you are so much more than your business. So, don't forget to live a little - actually, live a lot! Because a well-lived life attracts success and abundance in all its forms.
Live fully, love openly, and make a difference today.
Yours in business and in life,
erica
