Some of the most common things that I hear from designers when it comes to productivity are

“I don’t have the time to do it all.

“I’m so busy.

“I just want to focus on the creative stuff.

I get it. Doing it all is exhausting. And I used to be the same way — feeling like there weren’t enough hours in the day, like I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do because of all the other things that needed to get done, feeling ruled by my email inbox, social media, and admin stuff.

Well, here’s the thing, as Business owners we all have to deal with this. It’s part of the job. And the need to get stuff done is never going to go away.

That’s why it’s so important to remind yourself that you are the only one in charge of your time. You’re the only one who can change your mindset and your approach to thinking about your business. You’re the only one who stop yourself from feeling overwhelmed and out of control.

Stop letting yourself be talked into feeling frazzled. Stop telling yourself you’re busy. Stop convincing yourself that you don’t have enough time.

Because what are your options, really?

To constantly feel busy, behind, and overwhelmed. Or, to take control of your time, make decisions, organize what you have to do, and get it done.

Don’t keep  telling yourself that there’s too much to do; stop feeling bummed out that you can’t spend all your time designing.

Set priorities and trust them.

These are the realities of running a business.

A couple of years ago I heard or read (I can’t remember) the statement that when you’re “busy”, it means you lack time management skills. At first I rolled my eyes. But then I started thinking about it and honestly, I believe it.

I now equate my feelings of being “busy” to the point of overwhelm with fear. Fear in my own ability to lead and grow my business . Because by allowing myself to get caught up in all the things that keep me “busy”, I’m avoiding the bigger, more important things that truly need to get done.  And when I catch myself feeling that way, I stop, review, and reset my approach.

I know this may sound simplistic. I know you’re probably thinking that I’m wrong.

But I’m not. If you want to thrive in your business, if you want to enjoy it, then the skill you need to get good at is owning your time.

Lots of {tough} love and encouragement,

The post Fashion Business Owner Musings: You Are In Charge of Your Time, So Spend it Wisely appeared first on StartUp FASHION - On a mission to help independent designers make a living doing what they love.