You Are Not Your Business
Are you married to your business? As the year turns and we move into 2024, I’d like to share a crucial lesson that took me far too long to learn. It’s not discussed much, but I do think that it’s a secret of continued success and growth.
I am not my business. Monica Shah and Revenue Breakthrough are two different entities. Yes, they influence each other, but they are not the same.
When Revenue Breakthrough has a bad day – a client loss, contract issue, or unexpected tax bill – Monica Shah can still have a good day. She still has an amazing life full of love and cats and cuddles.
When Revenue Breakthrough has a dip in income, Monica Shah remains untouched. She is still brilliant, worthy, and content. Revenue Breakthrough’s financial dip does not implicate her worth. She can still enjoy a glorious dinner with her husband Jai.
When Monica Shah is not feeling well, Revenue Breakthrough can still perform at an extraordinary level. Their performances are not bound so tightly. This means that Revenue Breakthrough can be a solace for Monica on a sad day – a place for her to release her burdens and focus on the joy of her work.
When someone says “No” to Revenue Breakthrough, they do not – cannot – diminish the worth or likeability of Monica Shah. Monica Shah is loved no matter what.
I could go on and on here, but I think you get the point.
Far too many of us have been told, “You are your business.” Your values and personality do indeed influence your business in so many ways, but it is extremely dangerous to be married to your business – to feel as though you are one.
As you grow to 7-figures and beyond, your business will require you to take huge risks. And for me, some of those risks have panned out and some have been huge train wrecks.
If I took those risks and pitfalls personally, I’d be lost in fits of depression and shattered confidence by now. It would take me months to recover from each loss.
By holding that separation in my mind, I can keep moving from plan A to plan B to plan C to plan D without making it about me, my worth, or my feelings.
Here’s to un-marrying your business and marrying yourself instead. Happy New Year!
