How often do you hear people say one of the following;
If only I earned more money, then I’d be able to save and buy a house
If only we had more staff, then I wouldn’t be working so many ridiculous hours
And here’s the biggie of them all….
…If only I had more time to do all the things I want to do.
Can you relate to any of these? Let’s look at each of these statements and explore the solutions..
Warcry #1 – If only I earned more money, then I’d be able to save and buy a house.
In my work as a business coach, I hear this warcry so often. If only I earned more money, then everything would be a little easier… Few people feel they’re being paid what they should be. Their business isn’t making enough profit. The next question I ask business owners is how does your balance sheet look. What is your profit or loss for the year to date? Some can talk about the financial state of their business with certainty, but most struggle with it. The question is no different for employees. How much money do you make and what do you do with it each month? What is your take home pay and benefits, rather than how big is your salary.
SOLUTION #1:
Learn everything you can about your financial situation. Start by tracking your spending each month. Work out the real hourly rate you get paid. Include travel time to and from work, actual hours spent on the job, time spent worrying or thinking about work after hours and on the weekend. Now work out your real hourly rate of pay. Let’s say your hourly rate is $24 but when you add in all the extra time, your real hourly rate is $13. Now you can decide if that $500 dress is worth working 38 hours for, or the $25 lunch is worth two hours of work!
Learn everything you can about tax deductions, and claim everything you can. Educate yourself through the ATO’s website and booklets, books, financial websites and information sent by your accountant. Learn to effectively manage the money that comes your way THEN look at ways to grow your income.
Warcry #2 – If only we had more staff, then I wouldn’t be working so many ridiculous hours.
In the last decade, the trend has been to work longer and longer hours. It’s actually expected. What would happen if you arrived at 9am and left at 5.30pm with an hour off for lunch? Would you get stares of disapproval from your peers? Do you feel guilty if you leave before 6pm? In truth, it doesn’t seem to matter how many people are on staff. The underlying problem doesn’t change. Everyone expects everyone else to work later and later, and make work their number one priority over family, friends, health and leisure pursuits.
SOLUTION #2:
Decide to stop complaining about the ridiculous hours you work. If you’re still at it, then you must enjoy it. Take responsibility for the fact that you must enjoy being needed, and make the choice to enjoy it. Believe it or not, you can find ways of working, for yourself and for others, that will give you more life in your life.
Warcry #3 – If only I had more time to do all the things I want to do.
What percentage of your time do you feel in charge of? Do you feel as if other people run your life – children, partners, the boss? Unless we’re behind bars in prison, we are in charge of our time – 100%. So why don’t we feel like we are? When we’re chasing an ideal, or striving to get the best and biggest business, house or car, then it’s more than likely that we never enjoy the present moment.
SOLUTION #3:
Time is finite. The only thing you can change is the choices you make. Everything that’s in our life right now is a result of numerous choices we’ve made. Become conscious of what’s driving those choices and you will transform your relationship with time.
