I was talking to a small group of home stagers recently and we were discussing how easy it is to beat yourself up when you have to put your home staging business on hold because of personal issues.
It’s easy to get “off track” when family members need help through a health issue or emotional crisis, or you’re struggling to deal with your own stuff, whatever that may be.
This happens to me too, probably more than you imagine.
Guilt Free Time Off
There are times when I need a few days (or even weeks) to focus on non-work matters, or simply to recharge my batteries.
I keep re-learning the hard way that it’s better to admit to myself that I need the time off upfront. Then I can take a break without all that guilt. Otherwise, I’m trying to rest and all the while I’m thinking “I should be working”, which is hardly a rest at all!
It’s Your Home Staging Business
That’s the beauty of having your own home staging business. When personal stuff comes up, you have the freedom to take a break and deal with it. You don’t have to phone up a boss and try to explain why you can’t possibly come into work this week.
This can really take the pressure off— when you let it and don’t fall into the “I should be doing this instead” trap.
If something happens at the last minute and you have to run out and do something personal, you can do that. Unless you’re expected at a client’s home, or you’ve booked a presentation or something, your time is always your own to account for, and spend as you wish.
We don’t have to feel down on ourselves for not working because we’re dealing with personal stuff or taking a much-needed vacation. There is no point in thinking, “I’m supposed to be working on all of my home staging business ideas. I’m failing because I’m totally off-track.”
Such thinking doesn’t make you feel any better or inspire you in any way. In fact negative self-talk will kill your home staging business.
Instead of beating yourself up for taking a break, try saying this to yourself instead:
“I’m going to give myself permission to take time to help my friends or family members or to just relax for my own physical and mental health. I’m not off track, I’m just taking the break I need.”
Embrace Your Freedom and Flexibility
Having your own home staging business and being your own boss means you have the flexibility to structure your time and energy as you see fit.
You’ll be much happier if you embrace that freedom. Accept what a huge advantage you have over most of the working world. They answer to others for how they spend their time each day, but you don’t have to.
If you’re wondering how to fit home staging in around being a busy mom, check out this FREE report: Master the Juggling Act: 10 Tips to Balancing a Staging Business and Family Life.
Hi Debra – Even though I’m just starting my courses I want to thank you for this post. It will be something I’m sure I will have to keep reminding myself of. Thank you for all your wealth of information!
Hey Crystal, thanks so much for commenting! Enjoy the courses and I look forward to getting to know you inside the Staging Diva Network Online Discussion Group and through your comments here! Congratulations on taking the journey to making money doing what you love.
Debra: Thank you so much for this article. It is so timely for me right now. I have been going through a rough time personally and my attention is scattered. I signed up for your course and am so excited to take it but haven’t been able to focus bec of all the personal stuff in my way. Everyday I get up, get kids on bus, and say today is a new day – but the guilt and negative voices come in. I have been trying a different angle though – instead of a negative beat me up approach I have been trying a more positive loving approach which is I feel is getting me closer each day to my goals of finishing your courses and moving steps ahead to developing my business and professional identity. I find the kinder I am to myself the more I want to succeed – one day at a time!! Looking forward to reading more from your blogs and posts!!
Thanks so much Amy for commenting and sharing your experience! I’ve been a really “mean boss” to myself many times over the years and you’re right it’s so unproductive!
I know you’ll find the following article helpful too, Is Negative Self-Talk Killing Your Business?
This is relevant for Stagers at all stages of business. While we need to accept our decisions & not beat ourselves up for taking much needed family time we also need to be able to recognize when to get back on the horse to continue working on our biz. Thank you Debra.
Thanks for commenting Laura!