Growing Your Business with a Freedom Mindset

As small business owners, our goal isn't usually world domination. Most of us aspire to running a healthy, happy business that affords us a certain degree of financial freedom, a comfortable lifestyle, and a content family.

Achieving this means knowing what success and freedom in business really means to you.

I call this developing a business based on a ‘Freedom Mindset’ (as opposed to a ‘Growth-at-all-costs Mindset’).

With a 'Freedom Mindset', you can create a business that gives you choice, a voice, and both professional and personal freedom.

Don’t get me wrong. Growth is great, though it needs to be the type of growth that you want, at the pace that you want, in a manner that you can control and manage effectively.

We often feel the pressure to ‘grow-at-all-costs' (GAAC). These expectations (or perceived expectations) can come from family and friends, industry peers, social media, or even yourself (often coupled with a good dose of imposter syndrome).

To get off the GAAC freight train, you need to truly understand, accept and embrace what it is that you really want out of your business (and your life).

What success and freedom look like for you?

I can tell you - it looks different to everyone. And it can change over time, as our personal and professional circumstances or the world around us evolves. So you really do need to be tuned into whether or not the direction of your business is aligned with your version of success.

Get into the habit of putting pen to paper and writing down your definition of success and freedom in business, and then reviewing them at least every year or so to ensure you are still on track (or acknowledge if things need to change). Perhaps some of the below make the list:

• Being able to attend my kids’ school, sport and social engagements 
• Being able to ‘be present’ on family holidays and breaks 

• Financial independence to enjoy a few creature comforts 
• A small, happy and productive team 
• Clients who respect the team and our values  

I actually found one of my original business plans recently, and I had completely forgotten that I had done exactly this - about 15 years ago! This is, word-for-word what I had listed as my definition of success:

• The Business to become financially independent with an income in abundance to our family's needs, so Kelvin can change careers, the family can take holidays once a year and we are in a position to assist our children with their financial future.
• An excellent work/life balance.
• Working a 4 day week.
• No longer working all hours of the night.
• Financially Free.
• Taking regular holidays and spending more time with family overseas.
• We are able to ensure the kids educations are paid for.
• Dream home.

I'm pretty proud to say that I have ticked (and still am ticking) these things off the list. Though, it does involve making decisions every day to actively and intentionally do so, and putting systems in place to support these goals (like streamlining all my communications tech to block out Fridays - my no-contact day).

I still find myself slipping sometimes - working late to 'catch up', putting off family trips because I'm worried I'm 'too busy', or sneaking in a Friday meeting. Though I am better at keeping myself accountable these days, and try to catch myself before I veer too much off path (and out of the 'Freedom Mindset'). 

I am also better at realising and accepting that my definition of success changes as my business and life evolves. I have learnt that sometimes we need to be our own devil's advocate and challenge our ideas about success and freedom to make sure we are striving for the right thing.

After all - we’ve all got enough to juggle in this life. Your business should support the life you want to lead - not rule it!

What does your version of success and freedom in business look like?