The Purposeful Entrepreneur

Welcome to ’The Purposeful Entrepreneur,’ a podcast tailored for Christian female business owners seeking to break free from reactive living and step into intentional living. I’m Ashleigh Foy, your host, and I understand the delicate balance of faith, family, and business that you navigate. I’m here to provide actionable strategies to help you seize every moment with purpose and control. In each episode, we’ll explore practical time management tips and delve into the battles within our minds. This podcast isn’t just about schedules; it’s about building spiritual resilience. Join me as we navigate faith, balance, and success, rooted in scripture and practical insights. Think of this podcast as your spiritual armor, equipping you to overcome challenges. Ready to embrace your identity as a Purposeful Entrepreneur? Hit subscribe and join me on this transformative journey to reclaim your time, strengthen your spirit, and step into your true potential as a Christian female entrepreneur.

5 Ways to Nurture Your Business for Sustainable Growth 02/15/2024

7 Ways to Keep Your Emails Out of the Spam Folders 02/08/2024

Unlocking Your Productivity Potential: Mastering Batch Tasking 02/01/2024

Unleashing the Time Snowball Effect: Mastering Your Productivity 01/25/2024

Annual vs. Quarterly Planning: Maximizing Business Success 01/17/2024

The Power of Purposeful Morning Routines 11/29/2023

Decoding Decision Fatigue: Recharge Your Mental Batteries for Optimal Productivity 11/15/2023

Breaking Free from Social Media 11/08/2023

Unlock Your Full Potential by Overcoming Comparison 11/01/2023

Unlock Your Full Potential by Overcoming Doubt and Discouragement in Your Business 10/25/2023

Unlock Your Full Potential by Overcoming Fear in your Business 10/23/2023

Unlock Your Full Potential by Overcoming Distractions in Your Business 10/11/2023

Overcoming the Chaos: Mastering Time Management 10/04/2023

Overcoming the Chaos: Mastering Time Management Understanding Time Management Time management is the process of planning, organizing, and controlling how you spend your time on specific tasks or activities in order to maximize productivity and achieve your goals. It involves making conscious choices about how you spend your time, setting priorities, and using strategies and tools to make the most of each day. So why should we care so much about improving our time management skills? Effective time management allows you to accomplish more in less time. By prioritizing tasks and focusing on what's important, you can complete work efficiently and increase your overall productivity. Poor time management often leads to stress and overwhelm. When you manage your time well, you have a clearer sense of control over your schedule and are better equipped to handle tasks and deadlines without feeling stressed. Effective time management allows you to allocate time not only to work-related tasks but also to personal and leisure activities. This balance enhances your overall quality of life and well-being. So why do so many struggle with effective time management? Lack of Awareness: Many people may not realize they have a time management issue until it starts affecting their productivity and well-being. Most of us accept chronic stress and burnout as the norm of owning a business, not realizing that effective time management can reduce stress and improve work-life balance. Complexity of Life: Modern life is often busy and demanding, with multiple responsibilities at work and home, making it harder to manage time effectively without the implementation of tools and strategies. Inefficient Tools: Using outdated or ineffective tools for time management can hinder your progress. Examples would be Paper To-Do Lists: While some people still prefer physical lists, paper to-do lists can become disorganized quickly, and it's challenging to set reminders or share tasks with others. Basic Calendars: Traditional wall calendars or basic physical planners may not offer the flexibility and reminders that digital calendars provide. Sticky Notes: While sticky notes are handy for quick reminders, relying solely on them can lead to clutter and disorganization, making it easy to miss important tasks. Email as a To-Do List: Using your email inbox as a task list can lead to constant distractions and make it difficult to prioritize and categorize tasks effectively. Notepads and Notebooks: While notebooks are great for jotting down ideas, using them exclusively for task management may lead to missed deadlines and poor organization. Properly managing your time reduces the pressure of deadlines and the feeling of being overwhelmed. You can work at a more comfortable pace, leading to reduced stress and anxiety. Time management allows you to focus on high-priority tasks, leading to improved productivity. You can accomplish more in less time by eliminating distractions and procrastination. My personal favorite, with efficient time management, you can allocate time for both work and personal life. This balance improves your overall quality of life and prevents burnout. Before I dive in and share some effective time management strategies, let's get to the root cause of our Time Management Challenges. Identifying Your Time Management Challenges It's normal to face time management challenges and everyone's journey is unique. I myself struggle when I am not using my tools and I fall away from my proven strategies to help myself be better at being a good steward of my time. In order to determine what is the best tool or strategy for you, I encourage you to take some time to self-reflect on your own time management struggles. In order to help I have a few journal prompts. Use these in your quiet time and ask God to give you wisdom so that you can identify and overcome your own unique personal time management struggles. Determine your Prioritization strength by reviewing a recent day or week in your life. How did you allocate your time? Were there moments when you felt rushed or overwhelmed? What tasks or distractions consumed more time than you expected? Are there specific times of the day when you feel most productive or less productive? Identify your go-to Procrastination tactics by asking yourself what activities or habits do you suspect might be time-wasters. How can you reduce or eliminate these time wasters? Determine your level of Self-discipline and motivation when it comes to managing your time by asking yourself what strategies have you used to stay on track, and what challenges have you encountered in maintaining motivation. Identify your Over-commitment level by considering your personal values and boundaries. Are you saying "yes" to commitments or tasks that don't align with your values or overextending yourself? Why do you feel compelled to say yes? How can you set healthier boundaries? Feel free to pause this episode while you reflect on those questions. Welcome back, now that you have identified your unique challenges, I would like to share some strategies to help you come up with your own personal game plan for mastering your time management. Feel free to mix and match these to create your own personal plan. Time Management Techniques For those who struggle with effectively prioritizing tasks, I recommend following the Eisenhower Matrix. This technique has you break your to-do list into categories of tasks based on their urgency and importance. Do First (Urgent and Important): These are the things you must do right away because they're super important and can't wait. For instance, if there's a work emergency or a critical deadline, it falls into this category. Schedule (Not Urgent but Important): Here, you place tasks that are important but don't need immediate attention. Think about things like business goals, exercising regularly, or investing time in personal growth. You should set aside specific times to work on these tasks. Delegate (Urgent but Not Important): These are tasks that are kind of urgent, but they might not be directly related to your big goals. If possible, you can hand them off to someone else. It could be tasks like answering less important emails or handling small work issues that can wait a bit. Eliminate/Minimize (Not Urgent and Not Important): This category is for tasks that don't really matter in the big picture and aren't urgent. These could be things that eat up your time without giving you much in return. Think of it as trimming the fat from your to-do list, like spending too much time on social media or attending unnecessary meetings. Having a system to help you to prioritize tasks will you focus on the most important and impactful activities first, leading to increased productivity and less likely to feel overwhelmed or stressed about managing your workload. For those who struggle with procrastination, I have found it helpful to define specific, achievable goals for each task. Knowing what you're working toward can increase motivation. Large tasks can be overwhelming and lead to procrastination. Break them into smaller, manageable steps to make them less daunting. Reward yourself after completing tasks. Knowing there's a reward waiting can be a strong motivator. Procrastination is not always a bad thing, it can be a symptom of an issue. I encourage you to listen to Episode 4 to learn more about how you can learn from your procrastination. For those who struggle with self-discipline, I recommend establishing a work routine that can reduce the need for self-control because tasks become habitual. When you build positive habits, they require less conscious effort to maintain. This could be a weekly schedule of batch taskings. For example, you can assign categories to each day of the week, such as Marketing Mondays, Client Work/Meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Business Development Wednesdays, and Finance Fridays. Another strategy is to use the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused intervals with breaks) or time blocking can help you maintain discipline during work periods. As well as training yourself to delay immediate rewards for greater long-term benefits. For example, reward yourself only after completing a task rather than before. For those who struggle with overcommitment (and I am preaching to the choir here!) It is helpful to have a clear understanding of your core values and priorities. Knowing what matters most to you will guide your decision-making and help you say no to commitments that don't align with your values. Establish clear boundaries for your time and energy. Determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to various activities and commitments. When presented with a new commitment, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself if it aligns with your values and if you have the time and energy to commit to it. Practice saying no to new commitments or requests that don't align with your priorities. Politely decline without feeling guilty. Our time is the most precious resource that we have because once it is spent you can never get it back, My hope for you is that wth these tools and strategies you will be able to overcome your time management struggles and begin to implement effective techniques that are going to get you out of the overwhelm and back to thriving the way God intended! To help with that I want to walk you through the development of your own personal Time Management Plan. Creating a Time Management Plan Monthly Schedule: Big Picture Planning: At the beginning of each month, take a broader view. What are your major goals for the month? What projects or initiatives do you want to focus on? Monthly Calendar: Create a monthly calendar that includes important dates, deadlines, and recurring commitments. Monthly Goals: Break down your monthly goals into smaller, actionable steps. Assign these tasks to specific weeks or days in your weekly and daily schedules. Review and Reflect: At the end of the month, conduct a review. Did you achieve your monthly goals? What went well, and what needs improvement? Adjust for the Next Month: Use your reflections to make adjustments to your approach for the next month. Set new goals and priorities based on what you've learned. Weekly Schedule: Set Goals: Start your week by setting clear goals and priorities. What are the most important tasks or projects you want to complete by the end of the week? Batching Tasks: Group similar tasks together and designate specific days or times for them. For instance, designate one day for meetings, another for creative work, and another for administrative tasks. Schedule Breaks: Don't forget to schedule short breaks during your workdays to recharge. These breaks can help maintain your energy and focus. Review and Adjust: Mid-week, take some time to review your progress. Are you on track to meet your weekly goals? Adjust your schedule if needed. Daily Schedule: Morning Routine: Start your day with a consistent morning routine. This might include activities like meditation, exercise, journaling, or a healthy breakfast. Task Prioritization: Make a to-do list for the day, listing your most important tasks at the top. Use the Eisenhower Matrix (explained earlier) to help prioritize. Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks. For example, set aside blocks for focused work, meetings, emails, and breaks. Stick to these time blocks as closely as possible. Flexibility: Allow some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate unexpected events or urgent tasks that may arise during the day. End-of-Day Review: At the end of the day, review what you've accomplished and adjust your schedule for the next day if necessary. The Purposeful Entrepreneur planner is launching next month which will help guide you through this time management plan. If you are ready to transform your time management skills and supercharge your productivity. You'll want to dive into the Purposeful Entrepreneur Planner, your ultimate guide to mastering time management. Join the waitlist today by clicking the link in the show notes, and start taking control of your time like never before! I will drop a link in the show notes for those wishing to grab a copy! Join the waitlist today: Remember, time management is a dynamic process, and it's okay to adapt your schedules as needed. The key is to have a structure that helps you stay organized, focused, and productive while allowing some flexibility for life's surprises. Recover From Disruptions It is important that I share with you that these tools and strategies only work while they are being used, the moment you step away from them you will find yourself right back on the overwhelm train. The good news is that it is just as easy to jump back onto the effective time management training. I get thrown off my effective time management train when I find major disruptions to my daily routine, like getting sick, the kids out of school, vacations etc. To help keep the damage to your productivity minimal I encourage you to plan ahead so that you can account for the time that you will be away, if you can. If you can't try to minimize the time by jumping right back into your proven strategies as soon as you can to help get you back on track. As we wrap up today's episode, remember that mastering time management is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process of self-discovery, prioritize what truly matters, and stay committed to your growth. With the right strategies and a clear sense of purpose, you can overcome chaos and achieve the balance and productivity you desire. Until next time, keep purposefully managing your time and watch your entrepreneurial dreams soar! Let's Connect on IG: Learn More About Ashleigh: /episode/index/show/427fcf16-4e4e-4081-82c6-93abfe9a8130/id/28224812

5 Ways I Learned How to Stop Procrastinating 09/21/2023

5 Ways I Learned How to Stop Procrastinating Today I want to share a little insight into a struggle that I face in my own business and how I overcome it in case you struggle with this too. I have been a procrastinator my entire life. For as long as I can remember I have been the night owl pulling all-nighters to finish big projects last minute rather than taking that project and breaking it into smaller bites and tackling the project in stages. I know... I preach on Time Management and how to not eat the entire elephant in one bite but I am horrible at following my own advice. I know the powerful struggle that comes with procrastination, I've lived it... I'm still living it. This is why I know I can help, it comes from having to figure out my own procrastination tendencies but also how to move past them. Procrastination is a significant barrier to effective time management because it involves delaying tasks or activities, often in favor of less important or more enjoyable activities. Procrastination can lead to increased stress, is the main cause of missed deadlines, and significantly reduces productivity. But if we look into WHY we are procrastinating it can shed some major light into our business and how we work! I have learned that I have 5 main reasons why I find myself procrastinating. Each reason has a different way to overcome it and to push past the desire to focus on more desirable things. If you have never thought to look into why you are procrastinating hopefully my sharing my reasons can shed light on your own tendencies. The first one I picked up on was the obvious... being distracted from the task at hand by various shiny objects! I'm Distracted I am not in the Mood I am Struggling with How to Get Started My Brain Just won't Focus I'm just not Feeling it So while procrastination gets a bad rap why not flip the switch and use it as a tool to better understand what is going on? Once you have a better understanding of why you are procrastinating you will be able to identify the reasons, apply your new solutions, and get back on track quicker allowing you to be more purposeful with your time. Hopefully, these tips can help you next time you find yourself procrastinating on a task. Process Mapping Guide: Follow Me on Instagram: Learn More: /episode/index/show/427fcf16-4e4e-4081-82c6-93abfe9a8130/id/28102271

Letting Go of the Unattainable - The Desire to be Self-Sufficient 09/06/2023

Letting Go of the Unattainable - The Desire to be Self-Sufficient Welcome back, sweet friend! I am so glad you are here. I'm Ashleigh, and I'm thrilled to continue to discuss a topic that hits close to home – our tendency to strive for God-like qualities that we were never meant to possess. This is the final episode of our three-part series in which we're exploring the beauty of embracing our human limits and the incredible transformation that comes with letting go. In our previous episodes, we delved into the concept of 'Letting Go of the Unattainable' – specifically, the trait of trying to be omnipresent, being everywhere at once, and omniscient - being all-knowing. We explored the common ways this pursuit displays in our lives, the challenges it poses, and actionable solutions to overcome it. If you missed either of these episodes, I encourage you to give them a listen as they shed light on other traits that we, as purpose-driven individuals, need to address on our journey to growth and balance. Now, as we continue our journey of self-discovery and growth, we're shifting our focus to another attribute that often finds its way into our entrepreneurial pursuits: the desire to be self-sufficient. Self-sufficiency, it's a fancy word for being super independent, doing everything on your own without needing help from anyone. It's the "I can handle it all" mindset. Now, don't get me wrong; being self-sufficient is a great thing, but here's the twist. Complete self-sufficiency? Well, that's just an illusion. You see, as humans, we're wired for connection and teamwork. We thrive on working together, sharing knowledge, and growing together. The idea of going it completely alone doesn't really fit our nature. Let's take a closer look at five key areas where the desire for self-sufficiency can emerge in your business and life. By shedding light on these challenges, we can better understand how they might be affecting our journey as an entrepreneur. So, let's begin our exploration of some behaviors and actions that female entrepreneurs might engage in when seeking self-sufficiency: The first characteristic of a self-sufficient female entrepreneur is the Refusal to Seek Help. Picture this – you're navigating your business journey, and you've got this burning desire to be a one-woman show, handling every challenge that comes your way. It's like trying to carry a mountain of groceries in one go – pretty overwhelming, right? Now, when you refuse to seek help, it's like missing out on the good stuff – fresh ideas, game-changing strategies, and golden opportunities that could supercharge your business. It's like saying, "I've got it all figured out," even when you don't. But here's the deal – it doesn't have to be this way. You can break free from the "I can do it all" trap. Here's how: First, let's switch gears and embrace a growth mindset. It's about seeing every challenge as a chance to learn and grow. Seeking help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. Next, build your support network. Connect with mentors, peers, and experts who can offer guidance and support. Don't be shy about seeking advice and collaborating with others – you'll be amazed at what you can achieve together. And finally, set that ego aside. Understand that nobody – I repeat, nobody – has all the answers. So, prioritize your business's success over the need to appear self-sufficient. Seek help when you need it; it's a game-changer. Limited Learning: Alright, let's dive into another common self-sufficiency pitfall. You might be that go-getter who believes you can figure everything out solo. It's like trying to paddle a boat with one oar – you'll go in circles. When you avoid learning from others, you're basically putting your skills and knowledge on pause. It's like saying, "I've got this; I don't need no workshops or seminars." But guess what? Learning from others can catapult your growth. So, here's your lifeline: Start by making skill enhancement a priority. Investing in your education isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Attend workshops, seminars, and courses that can amp up your skills. Next, seek diverse perspectives. Imagine if you only ate one type of food your whole life – you'd miss out on some incredible flavors, right? Well, the same goes for ideas. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others; it can lead to game-changing innovations. And don't fall into the trap of reinventing the wheel. Sometimes, the solutions you're searching for already exist. Focus your learning efforts on areas where your knowledge and skills can have the most significant impact. Fear of Vulnerability: Here's another tricky spot – the fear of vulnerability. It's like wearing a mask, pretending you've got everything under control when deep down, you're not so sure. Now, why is this a problem? Well, for one, it can make you an ineffective leader. Your team might feel like they're walking on eggshells around you because they can't relate to your perfect facade. That's not good for morale. Plus, avoiding vulnerability means you're missing out on some serious learning opportunities. Sometimes, admitting you don't have all the answers is the first step to growth. So, how can you tackle this? First, let's normalize vulnerability. Understand that it's a natural part of being human, and it doesn't mean you're incompetent. In fact, it's a strength to admit when you need help. Next, lead by example. Show your team that vulnerability is okay by admitting when you're uncertain and seeking input from others. It creates a culture of openness and authenticity. And guess what? Vulnerability leads to stronger connections, trust, and collaboration. It's like breaking down the walls that hold your business back. Share stories of how embracing vulnerability has led to some incredible outcomes. Overworking: Alright, let's talk about burning the midnight oil. You're pushing yourself to the limit, working crazy hours, thinking you're a superhero handling every aspect of your business. But here's the truth – even superheroes need a break. Sooner or later, you're going to get tired – real tired. Burnout is just around the corner, and that's not a good place to be. So, what's the remedy? First, set some boundaries. Define your working hours and stick to them. It's like creating a safe zone for your sanity. Next, don't be afraid to delegate and prioritize. Not everything has to land on your plate. Focus on tasks where your expertise shines and let others handle the rest. And remember, rest is your best friend. Understand that taking a breather is vital for your creativity and productivity. Regular breaks and vacations are like the secret sauce for success. Hesitation to Invest: Last but not least, let's chat about investment hesitation. You might be reluctant to spend on experts or services that could level up your business, opting to save costs by doing everything yourself. But guess what? When you hesitate to invest, you might actually be wasting precious time and effort on tasks that specialists could handle like a pro. So, here's the game plan: First, calculate the ROI – that's the return on investment. Think of it like this: a well-placed investment can be like a magic money tree. Evaluate how investing in experts or services could lead to cost savings and business growth. Start small if you're hesitant. Outsource or hire experts for specific tasks or projects. As you see the positive impact, you'll likely become more comfortable with broader investments. And don't go it alone – consult advisors, financial experts, or mentors. They're like your business GPS, guiding you to the right investment decisions. Trust their insights; they can be your investment compass. So, here's the deal, my friend. Seeking self-sufficiency might seem noble, but it can have some pretty tough consequences for your business and your life. It's like trying to paddle a boat with one oar – you'll go in circles. Instead, let's open up to the power of collaboration, embrace the growth that comes from seeking help, and build some amazing relationships along the way. After all, we're in this journey together. Seeking to be everywhere, know everything, and do everything can lead to a host of challenges that hinder both our businesses and personal lives. The quest for omnipresence can result in burnout, strained relationships, and the inability to truly connect. The pursuit of omniscience often results in decision paralysis, isolation, and the overwhelming burden of information overload. Likewise, the aspiration for self-sufficiency can stunt growth, hinder collaboration, and deny us the beauty of mutual support. While these attributes may seem noble, they frequently steer us away from our true potential and purpose. But there's a way to navigate this uncharted territory. By grounding ourselves in God's wisdom and applying the insights shared in these three episodes, we can avoid falling into these traps. Embracing our human limits, embracing collaboration and openness, and embracing God's guidance can empower us to shed the unrealistic burdens of omnipresence, omniscience, and self-sufficiency. Instead, we can channel our energy into cultivating authentic connections, making informed decisions, and fostering growth through interdependence. Through these episodes, we uncover the path to a purposeful entrepreneurial journey that aligns with our innate design and God's intended plan. I hope you enjoyed this series! Until next time! /episode/index/show/427fcf16-4e4e-4081-82c6-93abfe9a8130/id/27955902

Letting Go of the Unattainable - The Desire to be All-Knowing 09/06/2023

Letting Go of the Unattainable - The Desire to be All-Knowing Welcome back, sweet friend! I am so glad you are here. I'm Ashleigh, and I'm thrilled to continue to discuss a topic that hits close to home – our tendency to strive for God-like qualities that we were never meant to possess. This is part two of a three-part series in which we're exploring the beauty of embracing our human limits and the incredible transformation that comes with letting go. In our previous episode, we delved into the concept of 'Letting Go of the Unattainable' – specifically, the trait of trying to be everywhere at once. We explored the common ways this pursuit displays in our lives, the challenges it poses, and actionable solutions to overcome it. If you missed it, I encourage you to give it a listen as it sheds light on another trait that we, as purpose-driven individuals, need to address on our journey to growth and balance. What Does it Mean to Attempt to Be All-Knowing? As we continue our journey of self-discovery and growth, we're shifting our focus to another attribute that often finds its way into our entrepreneurial pursuits: the desire to be all-knowing, or omniscient. It's a trait that reflects the human tendency to want to know and control every aspect of our businesses, homes, and lives. However, just like our exploration of omnipresence, this pursuit of omniscience is something we are not meant to obtain. Our Creator designed us with unique limitations for a purpose, and attempting to transcend these limits can lead us away from the peace and fulfillment we seek. The ultimate outcome of seeking to be all-knowing often leads to a cycle of frustration, anxiety, and stagnation. While the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is admirable, the relentless quest for all-encompassing wisdom can result in several undesirable consequences. Spreading yourself too thin within your business can have detrimental effects. As your focus becomes divided among various tasks, your effectiveness in each area diminishes, hindering your ability to make substantial progress. The constant pursuit of being in multiple places simultaneously can lead to inefficient delegation and hinder your team's growth and collaborative potential. Moreover, the strain of trying to be omnipresent affects your well-being, potentially resulting in burnout that compromises both your physical and mental health. This exhaustion impacts your leadership capacity, and decision-making abilities, and ultimately undermines the growth and success of your business. Struggling with Delegation in the Home Struggling to delegate is a symptom of both trying to be in more than one place at a time and attempting to be all-knowing. In episode one I covered ways to help you delegate in your business. Today I want to help you when struggling to delegate household responsibilities. Do you suffer from trying to manage all domestic tasks, believing that you know best how everything should be done? When we try to manage all household tasks alone, we can become overwhelmed and burnt out. This impacts our energy levels and ability to focus on business responsibilities. The insistence on handling everything at home might result in limited quality time with family which can lead to strained relationships and feelings of guilt for not being fully present. The exact opposite of what we want! So what can you do if you find that you struggle with delegating in the home? Seek God's guidance in finding reliable individuals who can contribute to your family's well-being, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. You can also: Delegate within the family: More than likely, you are not the only person living in your home. I encourage you to delegate parts of the mental load that you are carrying to those within your household. This empowers everyone to contribute and share responsibilities. Delegating tasks to family members isn't just about lightening your load – it's an opportunity to foster a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration within your household. When you involve your family in tasks and decisions, you're not only empowering them to contribute but also nurturing a deeper sense of connection and teamwork. Each family member has unique strengths and talents that can contribute to the overall well-being of the household. As you delegate tasks to your family, you're also creating space for quality time together. With a more balanced division of tasks, there's room for meaningful interactions, shared experiences, and cherished memories that strengthen family bonds. Involving your family in household responsibilities lays the foundation for your children's growth into responsible and capable individuals. They learn essential life skills, time management, and the importance of contributing to a team effort. By participating in the day-to-day management of the home, they gain a sense of ownership and pride in their living environment. Embrace the Power of Outsourcing: One of the most effective ways to break free from the trap of avoiding delegation at home is by embracing the power of outsourcing. Just as you understand the value of delegating tasks within your business, recognize that your home life can benefit from the same approach. Hiring help for household tasks not only relieves you of unnecessary burdens but also empowers you to focus on what truly matters. Whether it's hiring a house cleaner, a meal delivery service, or a virtual assistant for personal tasks, outsourcing allows you to redirect your time and energy toward your business and your family. By taking this step, you not only free yourself from overwhelming responsibilities but also create a space for growth, both personally and professionally. Before we dive deeper, let me share a resource that could make a significant difference in your journey toward embracing delegating effectively. It's my Gain Control of Your Day Challenge, designed to help you identify the tasks associated with managing your household and your business. If you find yourself grappling with delegation when it comes to your home responsibilities, this challenge is tailored for you. By participating, you'll be able to download the mental load that often weighs us down. This process will empower you to clearly identify the tasks that can be delegated, freeing you to focus on what truly matters. I will link how to join the challenge in the show notes. Ultimately, practicing delegation within the family not only benefits you as a purposeful entrepreneur but also shapes the future of your family. It's an investment in your family's growth, unity, and resilience – values that will continue to bear fruit as your children grow into independent adults. Another attribute that often creeps into our lives and businesses – is the relentless pursuit of perfection. https://ashleighfoy.com/gain-control-of-your-day Seeking Perfection You know, the idea of seeking perfection often comes from this deep-down feeling that we should have everything figured out, every little detail under control. It's like we're chasing this impossible dream of knowing it all and never making a single mistake. But here's the thing – this relentless pursuit of perfection is kind of like trying to catch a fleeting shadow. When we're constantly aiming for perfection, it's like we're caught in this never-ending loop of tweaking and adjusting. It might even hold us back from launching our products, services, or new ideas because we're always trying to make them flawless. And while that might sound good on paper, in reality, it could mean missing out on some awesome opportunities and slow growth. And let's talk about stress – oh boy, does striving for perfection pack a punch in that department. The weight of needing everything to be perfect can lead to a heap of stress and anxiety. It's like carrying around a heavy backpack full of worries. And guess what? All that tension doesn't just mess with your mind; it messes with your body too. Your decision-making skills might even take a hit. So, my friend, while aiming high is awesome, chasing after perfection might not be the best route. So what can you do if you find that you struggle with trying to obtain perfection? Recognize that perfection is an unattainable human standard. Trust in God's plan and acknowledge that imperfections are part of growth. Embrace the idea that your efforts, even when imperfect, are valuable in His eyes. Set Time Limits: Establish specific time frames for each task or project to prevent endless refinement. This encourages you to make decisions and move forward while still maintaining a high standard. Accept that being done is better than perfect. Celebrate Progress: Instead of aiming for perfection, celebrate milestones and achievements along the way. Recognize that progress is more important than achieving an unattainable level of flawlessness. Embrace Iteration: Embrace the concept of iterative improvement. By embracing iteration, you empower yourself to take imperfect action, learn from the outcomes, and refine your strategies. This mindset shift allows you to release the paralyzing grip of perfectionism and open yourself to the beauty of progress. Your business and projects become living entities that evolve and adapt based on real-world feedback and experiences. As you iterate, you cultivate resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to pivot when necessary – qualities that are essential for success in both business and life. By acknowledging that growth is a journey of continuous refinement, you allow yourself to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with grace, authenticity, and a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond the confines of perfection. Resisting Course Correction You know, it's like when we hold on tightly to our original plans and ideas as if they're set in stone. It's almost like we're convinced that we've got it all figured out, every twist and turn in our journey, every challenge and opportunity. But let's be real – life doesn't usually follow that script. Resisting the idea of changing course is a bit like wearing blinders. It narrows our vision to just one path, even when there might be other routes that lead to something even better. It's kind of like saying, "Nope, this is the only way to go!" But in reality, being open to a change in direction can actually lead us to more success and growth. Here's the thing – when we're stubbornly resistant to adjusting our plans, it's like we're putting blinders on our business too. Market demands change, trends shift, and industries evolve. And if we're not willing to adapt, we risk getting left behind in the dust. It's like watching a parade from a closed window – you're missing out on all the action. So, my friend, let's ditch the rigidity and embrace the flexibility that comes with being open to course correction. It might just lead us to even greater heights. So what can you do if you find that you struggle with resisting course correction? Embrace the humility to accept course corrections. Seek God's wisdom in discerning the right path, knowing that His guidance can lead you toward a better direction even when it requires flexibility. Regular Evaluation: One effective solution to the challenge of resisting course correction is to implement a systematic approach to regularly evaluate your business's performance. This involves setting up Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – quantifiable metrics that allow you to measure various aspects of your business's health and progress. KPIs serve as your compass, providing real-time insights into your business's trajectory. By establishing and tracking KPIs, you gain a clearer understanding of how well your strategies are working and where adjustments are needed. These metrics might include financial indicators, customer engagement rates, conversion rates, website traffic, and more, depending on your specific business goals. Open-Mindedness: A powerful solution to breaking free from the pattern of resisting course correction is to cultivate open-mindedness within your entrepreneurial journey. Open-mindedness involves the willingness to embrace new perspectives, ideas, and feedback – even if they challenge your initial plans. It's an antidote to the desire for omniscience because it acknowledges that growth comes from a diverse range of sources and viewpoints. When you approach your business with an open mind, you're better equipped to recognize when adjustments are necessary. Instead of viewing course corrections as signs of failure, you see them as opportunities to refine your strategies and optimize your path. Learning Mindset: A transformative solution to combating the tendency to resist course correction is to adopt a learning mindset within your entrepreneurial journey. A learning mindset centers around the belief that every experience, whether successful or challenging, holds valuable lessons that contribute to your growth. This approach aligns perfectly with the concept of embracing our human limitations and the understanding that we don't have all the answers. When you approach your business with a learning mindset, you view course corrections as opportunities for discovery and refinement. Instead of interpreting changes as setbacks, you see them as stepping stones toward improvement. This mindset shift empowers you to extract insights from every situation, making each course correction a valuable source of knowledge. There is such a thing as information overloading and it is the fourth way female entrepreneurs may exhibit attempting to be omniscient. Information Overload In our quest to be the ultimate entrepreneurs, we sometimes get caught in the "info overload" trap. We're in this digital age where information is like a buffet – tempting and seemingly endless. But here's the twist: Sometimes having too much on your plate can leave you feeling more overwhelmed than satisfied. It's like trying to taste every dish at a feast and ending up with a stomachache. You know what's interesting? It's kind of linked to this idea of wanting to be all-knowing, like having a superhero's ability to know it all. But let's face it – we're not superheroes, and trying to gather every single nugget of information out there can become a never-ending mission. Think about it – diving into articles, blogs, videos, podcasts – it's like you're on an information treasure hunt. You're so focused on finding that one hidden gem that you fear missing even the tiniest clue. It's like you're jumping from one source to another, collecting info like it's going out of style. But here's the catch: When you're swimming in a sea of information, it's hard to stay afloat. It gets tough to tell the valuable insights from the noise. And you know what happens when you're drowning in info? Decision-making becomes as challenging as solving a puzzle blindfolded. You're afraid you might miss a crucial piece or make a wrong move, so you hesitate. That hesitation? It's like a brake on your progress train. It's like being stuck in traffic when you're in a hurry. So, let's try a different route. Let's focus on quality over quantity, and let's give ourselves permission to put down the info buffet plate when we're full. Because, my friend, real growth happens when you're not just gathering information, but actually using it to move forward. So what can you do if you find that you struggle with overloading on information? Instead of drowning in information, seek God's perspective on what truly matters. Pray for discernment to identify information that aligns with His purpose for your life and business, allowing you to focus on what's essential. Curate Trusted Sources: Identify a few reliable sources of information in your industry. This helps you streamline your intake and ensures you're consuming quality insights. Seek out sources with a proven track record of expertise and credibility in your industry. Look for authors, researchers, or organizations known for their deep insights and reliable information. Remember that trust is built over time, so consistently reliable sources are key. Choose sources that offer diverse perspectives on a given topic. This helps you gain a well-rounded understanding of different viewpoints, fostering a more informed decision-making process. Search with Purpose: Before diving into the sea of information, define your objectives. Whether it's solving a specific challenge, improving a skill, or gaining insights for strategic decision-making, having a clear goal gives your information search direction and purpose. With your objectives in place, embark on targeted exploration. Look for sources directly aligned with your goal, focusing on those that provide actionable insights and practical knowledge. The goal-driven approach helps you eliminate distractions. Rather than getting lost in a maze of information, you remain focused on the sources that contribute to your specific objectives. When you approach learning with purpose, you absorb information more efficiently. Relevant insights resonate more deeply, and you're better equipped to apply what you've learned to real-world scenarios. Adjust to an Action First methodology: Rather than accumulating knowledge for its own sake, taking action first focuses on immediate application. By implementing what you already know, you gain practical experience and tangible results that resonate far more than passive information consumption. Taking action forces you to make decisions. This clarity helps you identify gaps in your knowledge and prompts targeted information-seeking to address specific challenges, reducing the temptation to endlessly consume general information. Information overload often stems from trying to learn everything at once. Taking action first encourages incremental learning – mastering concepts as you encounter them, one step at a time. Procrastination thrives when you're stuck in information-gathering mode. By taking action first, you break the cycle of delay and move forward, building momentum and preventing the paralysis of overanalysis. Speaking of paralysis the final way that female entrepreneurs seek to be omniscient is with Analysis Paralysis. Analysis Paralysis Ever found yourself in that never-ending cycle of overthinking decisions? It's like wanting to know everything before you even take a step. Imagine you're at a crossroads, and instead of just picking a path, you're trying to map out every possible route on the planet. It's like using Google Maps to explore every street before you start your journey. Well, guess what? Life doesn't come with a complete map, and that's okay. We humans weren't wired to have all the answers before making a move. It's like expecting to have the entire script of a movie before hitting play. But let's be real – the magic happens when you let yourself get swept up in the story, even if you don't know every twist and turn. So, here's the catch: Chasing that elusive certainty by gathering mountains of information can leave you stuck in a quicksand of data overload. It's like you're sifting through a treasure trove, but instead of finding gold, you're left overwhelmed and frozen. And you know what's even more intriguing? All that time spent overthinking could have been put to better use. It's like trying to bake the perfect cake by reading every recipe on the internet, but never actually getting your hands in the flour. You've got all these ingredients, but no cake to show for it. Here's the kicker: While you're caught in the loop of analysis, your competitors might just swoop in and snatch the opportunity right from under... /episode/index/show/427fcf16-4e4e-4081-82c6-93abfe9a8130/id/27955782

Letting Go of the Unattainable - Trying to Be Everywhere at One Time 09/05/2023

Letting Go of the Unattainable - Trying to Be Everywhere at One Time How Christians are Called to be like God Ephesians 5:1-2 calls us to be imitators of God. It emphasizes the importance of embodying God's love, compassion, and selflessness in our actions and interactions with others. 1 Peter 1:15-16 underscores that we are called to live in a manner that reflects God's purity, righteousness, and moral excellence. Matthew 5:48 speaks to the idea of aligning our lives with God's character and striving for spiritual maturity and integrity. Godly Attributes We Can Never Obtain While we are called to imitate, reflect, and align our lives with certain attributes that mirror the divine, there are some qualities we were never meant to obtain. Much like the temptation that led Adam and Eve astray, seeking to obtain certain attributes can lure us down a treacherous path. They yearned for the knowledge of good and evil. Our modern desire is for qualities such as omnipresence (being everywhere at one time), omniscient (all-knowing), and self-sufficiency that can ensnare us. In today's episode, we are going to talk about the desire to be everywhere at one time. Something in reality that only God can do. How do you know if you are unknowingly attempting to be everywhere at one time? The Need to Prioritize Purposefully Those who struggle with this are constantly packing their schedule with meetings, events, and tasks, often double-booking themselves while trying to be in multiple places at once. Their calendar is a hectic maze of meetings, tasks, and commitments. They are constantly racing against time to be everywhere at once and feel stretched thin. Instead of trying to be everywhere at once, what if you took a step back and turned to God for wisdom in prioritizing your time according to His purpose? Then identify what truly aligns with your purpose and allocate your time accordingly. If you desire to learn how to prioritize what truly matters for your family and business and desire to reclaim your calendar. Join my Free Gain Control of Your Day Challenge and unlock a more purposeful and balanced life. I'll link the challenge in the show notes below. Another way someone could unknowingly be attempting to be everywhere at one time is through a lack of delegation. https://ashleighfoy.com/gain-control-of-your-day The Need to Delegate with Trust The word that leaves a pit in every business owner's stomach. I get it, our businesses are our babies, How can anyone else be trusted to provide the same level of support that I can? What if they ruin my business's reputation... Here’s a thought… What if by not... YOU ARE ruining it... Those who struggle with this often refuse to delegate tasks either to other people or by implementing technology. They and insistent on overseeing every detail of every project. They lack the trust in other people or technology to handle the task the way they would. Struggling with letting go and delegating tasks to others is a common challenge amongst Christian business owners and often leads to burnout. So, how can we break free from this cycle? You don't want to just start delegating tasks. No one wins when you do that. You need to have a system in place that allows you to properly hand over the task. This means that the person who is responsible for this task has complete ownership... not you piecemealing them each step along the way. How do I do that Ashleigh? You need a way to be able to show the big picture so that your team understands how they fit in and then provide step-by-step instructions so they know that they are doing it right and you have confidence that it is being accomplished how you would do it. WITHOUT YOU DRIVING IT. Again, Ashleigh How do I do that? First, you need to understand your process inside and out and you need to be able to relay that to your team. This is called a Process Map and I have a guide that walks you through exactly how to do this. It's all about getting a clear picture of your business processes and making them work smarter. Once you've got the processes mapped out you'll see tasks and responsibilities with crystal clarity. You then take those tasks and milestones (phases) and apply them to a task Management system such as Click Up (my fav). This allows you to track where each client is without having to tag in with the team constantly or do a deep dive into your inbox if you are a solopreneur. With these two things in place, you'll become a delegation ninja, confidently assigning tasks, setting expectations, and giving clear directions. Your workload? Lighter. Your team? Empowered. Don't have a team? No worries, this guide is a great tool to help you identify what you can automate and what only you can do. With the power of automation technology taking care of routine tasks, you have more time for big strategic moves within your business. Check out the link to my Process Mapping Guide below in the show notes. https://ashleighfoy.com/process-mapping-guide Another way you could unknowingly be attempting to be everywhere at one time is through a lack of boundaries. The Need to Set Digital Boundaries Those who suffer from a lack of boundaries have a need to be always available. They feel pressured to respond to every email, message, or notification instantly, even if it's outside regular working hours. Does this sound like you? When you are constantly responding to emails and messages it leaves little room for focused work. We didn't start businesses to be our own VA. In order for your business and life to thrive, you have to get off your phone and out of your inbox. We need to be purposeful with our time. Setting boundaries around your digital communications allows you to be present where it truly matters without constant distractions. A few ideas for boundaries would be: Set specific times during the day when you check and respond to emails and messages. Communicate these windows to your team, clients, or contacts so they know when to expect your response. Outside of these windows, focus on deep work and tasks that require your full attention. Utilize auto-response messages during non-communication hours or when you're engaged in focused work. Let people know that you'll respond during your designated communication windows and provide an alternative point of contact for urgent matters. Adjust your notification settings to only receive alerts for truly urgent matters. Mute non-essential notifications during work hours to minimize distractions and maintain your focus. This allows you to manage your responses more intentionally. I recently adjusted the notifications to my social media and it was a game-changer but that's for another episode. By implementing these boundaries, you can create a healthier balance between staying responsive and dedicating time to focused, meaningful work. Another way you could unknowingly be attempting to be everywhere at one time is through a need to select quality over quantity. The Need to Select Quality over Quantity Those who suffer from this are trying to maintain a strong presence on all marketing platforms simultaneously, and attempting to engage with every comment and post in real-time. We are told that we have to be on every platform doing all the things, responding to every comment, and sharing in real time or we won't be successful. My friend, that is the furthest thing from the truth. When it comes to marketing your business, quality and consistency matter more than quantity. Start by seeking God's guidance, when looking to identify the platforms that align with your purpose. Start with one. Master a solid strategy and then move on to another. Purposefully plan out and create content in advance to minimize the daily stress of having to come up with what to post that day. Create content in advance utilizing batch tasking so that you can maintain consistency without having to be on the platform every day all day long. Use scheduling tools to plan and automate posts, giving you more time for meaningful engagement. This allows you the opportunity to jump on once or twice a day to respond to comments and engage with followers. If you are like me, No feels like a dirty word when you know that you can help someone. But let's be real, we are only one person. We need to practice discerning and prioritizing our commitments. This leads me to the last way you could unknowingly be attempting to be everywhere at one time is through overcommitting. The Need to Discern and Prioritize Your Commitments Those who suffer from this often agree to take on too many responsibilities, they say yes to every opportunity that comes their way, and subsequently spread themselves too thin. While it might feel like proving your worth, taking on more and more often leads to burnout. It's a trap many of us fall into, but there's a way to say yes with intention and purpose. Seeking God's wisdom, you can discern between opportunities that align with His plan for you and those that may distract from it. Pray for the courage to graciously decline what doesn't serve your purpose. Be selective and deliberate in your commitments, ensuring you can give your best to the ventures that matter most. These are real struggles that many of us face, myself included. The need to be everywhere at the same time in our lives and businesses can lead us down a path of burnout and frustration. It's a journey of realizing that being everywhere at once isn't sustainable or necessary for our success. In the end, constantly trying to be in multiple places at once can lead to less growth, more exhaustion, and missing out on opportunities. This can hold us back from fully realizing our potential in both our personal and professional lives. Purposeful Strategies These solutions offer a way out of the omnipresence trap guided by seeking God's wisdom and relying on His strength. By intentionally allocating your time, trusting your systems and team, setting boundaries, and focusing on meaningful commitments with His guidance, you're not just escaping the frenzy – you're carving space for purposeful growth and impactful endeavors, with God at the center of it all. Thank you for joining me in Part One of this enlightening three-part series. We've dived deep into the idea of letting go of the unattainable attribute of omnipresence, recognizing our human limits, and discovering guided solutions. If you found value in this exploration, get ready for what's coming next. In parts two and three, we'll uncover two more ways we often attempt to mimic qualities of God that were never intended for us. We'll delve into their impact on our families and businesses, and most importantly, I'll equip you with insights and strategies to break free from these patterns. I'll see you in Part Two! /episode/index/show/427fcf16-4e4e-4081-82c6-93abfe9a8130/id/27955770

Welcome to the Purposeful Entrepreneur Podcast 08/30/2023

The Purposeful Entrepreneur

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