Messes – stacks of new material from an event, overflowing file pile, dirty laundry, shoes kicked off in multiple places, dirty dishes, full email box… It happens to entrepreneurs. Even the super-successful ones! Did you know that?
There’s a time to neglect your environment. And it’s okay, as long as you know when to do it and how to recover from it gracefully. I’ll give you the scoop on how myself and other entrepreneurs do it.
First, let’s take a look at the meaning of neglect:
- to give little attention or respect to : disregard
- to leave undone or unattended to, especially through carelessness
The kind of neglect I’m giving you advice about doesn’t happen through carelessness. It is a temporary neglect, not an everyday practice.
Now, here are some examples of when you may need to neglect your space:
My clients have time and energy crunches when they step out of their average daily routine. Some examples are: preparing and setting up a vendor booth at an event, planning end of season recitals, taking a new business building program, launching a new program, flying off to attend or speak at conferences, and more…
I’ve also had the opportunity to find out what goes on behind the scenes of other entrepreneurs doing online launches and there is one thing they seem to have in common: pretty much everything that is not directly related to the program/product launch, is put on hold and off to the side. Literally!
Lastly, use these 4 Tips to help you gracefully recover from neglecting your space:
- get organized and have systems in place, BEFORE your big time crunch. Work your systems. Keep your space in tip-top shape, cleaned out and functioning well on regular days and it will be easier to maintain it during big time crunches
- neatly pile your things, papers along a wall or in a container and out of your way. Keep your office desk clear daily. (Don’t neglect the desk.)
- communicate to others living in your home that you’ll need them to pick up the slack around the home
- clear your schedule for RE-COOP time afterwards. 2 days to 1 week is perfect… catch up on your filing, empty your email box, unpack, get all the laundry done and place everything in its proper place, rest – you’ll be ready to rock & roll again!
During these times, it’s very common to be eating, sleeping and breathing all the behind the scenes action. In fact, romantic partners often have to remind the entrepreneur that they exist. Has this ever happened to you? I’ve totally been there. Thank goodness for partners to keep up us grounded!
(Special Note for the partners of entrepreneurial-spirited women: If your entrepreneurial mate is on another dimension when they go into deep business mission mode…then they DO NOT have permission to neglect you. Make yourself known, but don’t be annoying…okay?)
P.S. What was happening in your life or business the last time you neglected your space? How long did it take you to recover from it? Share your story in the comment section below.
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