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How to Own Every Area of Your Life (So You Can Crush It Like the Boss You Are)

Ever feel like you’re trying to juggle 37 things at once, and they’re all on fire?

Welcome to life! It’s chaotic, messy, and if we’re being honest, kind of exhausting.

But here’s the thing: before you can show up as the boss of your business (or just of your day), you’ve got to own every single area of your life.

Yep, I’m talking about taking charge of your health, relationships, mindset—you name it.

Because when you’ve got your personal life together, showing up in your business as a total powerhouse becomes way easier.

Ready to find out how to take control and crush it? Let’s dive in!

Why Owning Your Life is Non-Negotiable (and How to Start)

Alright, let’s talk about this.

You know when your WiFi’s cutting out during a Zoom meeting, and you’re pretending like you can hear everything, but really you’re sweating bullets because nothing’s working?

That’s what it’s like when you try to be a boss in your business but haven’t handled your personal life yet.

Things just don’t flow.

So how do you start owning your life?

It’s called a “life audit”—and it’s not as scary as it sounds.

Think of it like a review of all the tabs you have open in your brain, but instead of crashing your system, we’re going to organize things so you can run smoothly again.

What Is a Life Audit and Why You Totally Need One

A life audit sounds fancy, but it’s basically a quick check-up on how things are going.

It’s like asking yourself, “Am I thriving or barely surviving?” (Spoiler alert: if you’re still wearing yesterday’s yoga pants… it might be time for an audit.)

You’re going to look at these key areas:

  • Physical Health: Feeling like you could run a marathon, or like you’re running on empty?
  • Mental Health: Zen master, or always two minutes away from a meltdown?
  • Finances: Is your wallet giving off “I’m fine!” vibes, or are you living that “too much month at the end of the money” life?
  • Relationships: Are your connections lifting you up, or dragging you down?
  • Personal Growth: Are you leveling up, or stuck on the same level like a glitchy video game?

Write down how you feel in each of these areas (yes, actually write it down!). This gives you a clear picture of what needs work.

How to Tackle the Mess: Prioritize Like a Pro

Now that you’ve done your life audit and have a notebook full of insights (and maybe a few “yikes” moments), it’s time to prioritize.

Don’t try to fix everything at once—this isn’t an HGTV home renovation show where you can magically transform everything in 24 hours.

Pick one or two areas to start.

Maybe it’s your health because your energy levels are at “I-need-coffee-IV-drip” or your finances because, well, you’d like to stop dodging your credit card bill notifications.

Start small and focus your energy there.

How Personal Growth is the Secret Sauce to Business Success

Here’s the truth bomb: When you focus on personal growth, it spills over into everything. Your mindset? Sharp as a tack. Your focus? Laser-like. Your energy? Off the charts.

And you know what that means? You start showing up in your business like the absolute boss you are.

So here’s what to do:

  • Set Micro-Goals: Start with something small and achievable. Want to get healthier? Instead of saying, “I’m going to become a fitness guru,” start with “I’m going to take a 15-minute walk every day.”
  • Create Time for Yourself: Yes, you’re busy. But carving out a little “me time” is crucial. Even if it’s just for a bath, a book, or a moment where nobody is asking you, “What’s for dinner?”
  • Track Your Progress: No, I’m not telling you to buy another app. Just check in with yourself weekly. Did you hit your micro-goals? What’s working, and what’s still a hot mess?

Habits That Will Change Your Life (and Make You Feel Like a Superhero)

Small habits = big changes. And I’m talking the kind of changes that make you feel like you’ve leveled up in life.

  • Start the Day Right: Instead of rolling over and checking emails (I see you – because I see me!), start the day with intention. Whether it’s stretching, journaling, or simply enjoying that first cup of coffee, how you start sets the tone.
  • Set Boundaries Like a Boss: I’m not saying put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” forever, but maybe stop answering work texts at 11 PM. Protect your time and energy.
  • Practice Gratitude: It might sound cheesy, but writing down three things you’re grateful for every day can shift your whole mindset.

How Balancing Life and Business Turns You Into a Total Powerhouse

Here’s where it all comes together: when you’ve got your personal life on track, your business naturally starts running smoother.

It’s like finding the perfect playlist for your productivity—everything just clicks.

Balancing life and business might sound like a juggling act, but when you manage your time and energy, it feels a lot less like chaos and more like a rhythm.

Here are some time management tips to help:

  • Time Blocks: Break your day into chunks. Focus on one task during each block—whether it’s work, self-care, or family time.
  • Delegate: Look, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Hire help, ask for a favor, or (gasp!) let something go. Your sanity will thank you.
  • Automate: Got routine tasks? Automate them. Set up grocery deliveries, use scheduling apps—whatever makes your life easier.

Ready to Own It All? Here’s the Plan

You’ve got this! Start small, pick one or two areas of your life that need a little TLC, and make a game plan.

Trust me, when you start showing up for yourself, you’ll start showing up stronger everywhere else—including in your business.

And you’ll do it with the kind of confidence that makes people say, “Whoa, she’s got her life together!”

 

Wrapping It Up (Because I Gotta Go For My Daily Meditative Walk!)

Bottom line: owning your life is step one to owning your business.

When your personal life is aligned, your business life thrives.

So take that life audit, figure out where you need to focus, and start tackling things one step at a time.

You’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish when every part of your life is running like a well-oiled machine.

Now go out there and crush it, boss!

Photo by Peter Olexa.

So I’ve been thinking about blogging a lot lately.  (Do I ever think about anything else?) Actually, it hit me while I was trying to fix my coffee maker this morning (side note: don’t try to fix your own coffee maker. Just buy a new one. Trust me on this).

Anyway, I was covered in coffee grounds and suddenly wondered: Does anyone even read blogs anymore? (And, this was actually a question my uncle asked me in 2015.  It’s haunted me.)  So, I got to thinking, when was the last time you read one, Tiffany? I couldn’t immediately recall.  But, as I thought on this – I realized that I read them all the time.  All.  The.  Time.  They just look a lot different than the first-ever blogs I read 20+ years ago.

I hear a lot of people saying that the blog is dead.  

But here’s the thing – I don’t think blogging is actually dead. It’s just… different now. Like how we all thought flip phones were gone forever, and now they’re back but all fancy and foldy.  We’re back, baby.  But we actually never left.  

Let’s examine the blog makeover.

What Counts as Blogging These Days?

So I looked around.  What type of content am I consuming now, instead of the blogs I was reading in 2008?  Here’s what I noticed.  Today’s bloggers are:

  • YouTubers who film their entire lives (including what they eat in a day. Why do I watch these?)  No, it’s not as popular as 10 years ago.  But people are still doing it and earring a living. Maybe they focus only on gardening with homemade tools, or another very specialized interest.  But, they are doing it.
  • Instagrammers are posting pictures of their pets with long, heartfelt captions (guilty as charged.  Okay, it’s my sister’s puppers – but yeah.)
  • TikTokers doing dances I’m too uncoordinated to attempt (I tried once. My daughter still judges me).  Or maybe they’re offering up advice.  They’re doing it.
  • Podcasters talking about everything from true crime to how to grow the perfect tomato.

It’s wild, right? But when you think about it, it’s all just different ways of sharing our lives and thoughts online. Which is what blogging was all about in the first place.

Why You Might Still Want a Website (Even If It’s Just to Impress Your Tech-Savvy Nephew or Non-Tech-Savvy Dad)

Before you go deleting your old blog faster than I delete my browser history after a late-night online shopping spree, hang on a sec. Having your own website is still pretty important. Here’s why:

  1. It’s all yours: Unlike Facebook where your aunt can comment on everything, your website is your own little internet kingdom.
  2. Creative freedom: Want to use Comic Sans and neon green backgrounds? Go for it! (But maybe don’t. Please.)
  3. Google might actually find you: With some SEO magic (which is a crazy ever-changing game), people might find your site when they’re googling random stuff at 3 AM. (Ask me how I know.)
  4. It’s like a hub for all your internet stuff: You can link to your TikTok dances, your podcast about conspiracy theories (are giraffes really real? IYKYK), whatever. It’s all in one place.

How to Maybe, Possibly Make Some Money From This Stuff (You Most Definitely Can!)

Alright, so you have an idea, dream and maybe even a website to accompany it.  But how do you turn that into something that actually pays the bills? (Because, unfortunately, landlords and mortgage holders don’t accept “internet fame” as payment.)

Here are some ideas I’ve picked up over my two decades in “blogging”:

  1. Figure out your thing: What can you talk about forever without getting bored? For me, it’s actually a never-ending list of all the things.  Find your niche!
  2. Make stuff people actually want: Whether it’s blog posts, videos, or interpretive dance tutorials, make sure it’s either helpful or entertaining. Or both, if you’re feeling ambitious.
  3. Actually talk to your audience: Respond to comments like they’re texts from your bestie. Ask what they want to see. Make them feel special, you know? (DO THIS REGARDLESS OF WHAT ANYONE SAYS ABOUT IT.  Apologies for the all-caps, but, for real.)
  4. Try different money-making things: Affiliate links, sponsored posts, sell some merch. I’m still trying to figure this part out, to be honest.  Who wants a Tiff Tee?
  5. Make internet friends: Team up with other people doing similar stuff. It’s like forming a content creation superhero team. The Avengers, but for content creators. (Okay, you get it.)

Email Lists: They’re Actually Pretty Cool (And May Be Your Bread & Butter)

Last thing before I let you go. Email lists are super important.  I’ve said this from the beginning. I’ve said this long before I had a full grasp on what I was doing online or in blogging.  I created community, and with that community came an email list that I could use to reach out to my community.  This, was the turning point in my earnings and empire-building.   Here’s what I’ve learned:

  • It’s direct: You’re basically sliding into people’s inboxes (in a non-creepy way).
  • It works: People are more likely to buy stuff from emails than social media. (My impulse purchases can confirm this.)
  • It’s yours: Even if Instagram suddenly decides to shut down, you’ve still got your email list.

To get people to sign up, try offering something cool for free – that they actually want or need.

This will be dependent on your community avatar.  Do your research into what will be a valuable asset to your community before spending hours or days creating that freebie.  Hey, it may be an entrance into your super special VIP group or community.

Wrapping This Up (Because My Husband Is Questioning If I Fully Intend To Get Off Of My Computer And Get My Saturday Run In)

So yeah, is blogging dead?  No!  Absolutely not.  It just looks a lot different today than it did in 2005 or even 2015. The main thing is to keep making cool stuff and pair it with another offering – like a TikTok account or YouTube account.  Blogs are no longer daily journals.  They’re the base of your business that everything else can stand on and come back to. 

Whether you’re writing blog posts, making TikToks, or talking into a microphone about the best way to make sourdough bread, just enjoy the process. And hey, maybe you’ll make some money. Or maybe you’ll just make some cool internet friends. Either way, it’s a win.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go create a new TikTok account for another fun idea that has just come to mind.  (I’ll get to you soon, run!) Wish me luck, and ask me about it at Bloggy Conference!

P.S. If you’ve got any tips on how to make money from blogging, let me know. I’d love to share your ideas and suggestions to everyone! (This is what we do at Bloggy Conference, it’s a whole thing.)

Photo by Markus Winkler.

In the extensive landscape of entrepreneurship, one indispensable asset stands out: the flexibility of your story.

Your entrepreneurial journey isn’t set in stone; rather, it’s a narrative that evolves with your audience’s needs and preferences. In this post, I’ll be discussing the significance of adaptable storytelling and how to discern when adjustments are necessary to keep your audience engaged and connected.

Having had the opportunity to work in social media for the better part of two decades, I’ve seen creators and entrepreneurs soar, and crash based on their ability to adapt their storytelling to changing technology and associated audience expectations.

Understanding the Flexibility of Your Story

Your entrepreneurial story isn’t just a recounting of past events; it’s a living, breathing entity that resonates with your audience.

Your narrative should be fluid, capable of adapting to changing market trends, audience feedback, and evolving business goals.

Why Flexibility Matters

  1. Audience Engagement: Your audience’s interests and preferences are constantly evolving. By embracing flexibility, you can tailor your story to meet their changing needs, keeping them engaged and invested in your journey.
  2. Relevance: In today’s fast-paced world, relevance is key. Flexibility allows you to pivot your story to address current issues, trends, and challenges, ensuring that your content remains timely, useful, and impactful.
  3. Brand Authenticity: Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective storytelling. Embracing flexibility allows you to authentically connect with your audience by addressing their concerns and interests in real-time.

Signs That Your Story Needs Adjustment

  1. Declining Engagement Metrics: Monitor key engagement metrics such as website traffic, social media interactions, and email open rates. A decline in these metrics may indicate that your content needs adjustment to better resonate with your audience.
  2. Feedback and Comments: Pay attention to feedback and comments from your audience. Are they expressing confusion, disinterest, or dissatisfaction with your current content? Use this feedback as valuable insight into areas where your story may need refinement.
  3. Market Shifts: Keep a pulse on industry trends, competitor strategies, and market shifts. Is your story still relevant in light of these changes, or does it need adjustment to remain competitive and compelling?

Adapting Your Story: Tips and Strategies

  1. Listen to Your Audience: Take the time to actively listen to your audience through surveys, polls, and social media monitoring. What topics are they passionate about? What challenges are they facing? Use this insight to shape your narrative accordingly.
  2. Experiment and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different storytelling formats, styles, and content types. Test new ideas, gather feedback, and iterate based on what resonates most with your audience.
  3. Stay Authentic: While flexibility is important, authenticity should always remain at the core of your storytelling. Stay true to your brand values, voice, and mission, even as you adapt your story to meet evolving needs.

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, flexibility is key to crafting a compelling and impactful story.

By embracing the fluid nature of storytelling, you can better engage your audience, stay relevant in a competitive market, and authentically connect with your community.

Pay attention to the signs that your story needs adjustment, and be proactive in adapting your narrative to meet the evolving needs of your audience.

Remember, your story is not set in stone—it’s a journey, and the path may change, but the destination remains the same: meaningful connection and lasting impact.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of the hustle – burnout. As a seasoned entrepreneur, I get it. Success is sweet, but we don’t want to get so caught up in the game that we forget to take care of ourselves.

So, relax, grab a favorite drink, and let’s discuss how you can nurture longevity on this journey.

1. Dream Big, but Keep it Real

I’m all about shooting for the stars, in fact, I usually set my goal line far above the actual object I’m trying to reach.

But it can be important to keep our more immediate goals within reach.  Small steps are crucial.  Make ’em challenging, but not so crazy that you’re drowning in a sea of tasks.

Prioritize like a boss – tackle what matters, and watch the stress levels take a nosedive.

2. Share the Load, Superstar!

You’re amazing, but you’re not a superhero. Delegate like a pro to your stellar team, or hire virtual assistants for specific tasks.

It’s not just about lightening your load; it’s about empowering yourself and your crew. Trust me, effective delegation is the secret sauce for a healthier life and work vibe.

3. Work Hard, Play Hard – Set Those Boundaries

Balancing work and play is a game-changer. Set those work hours, resist the email addiction, and make time to recharge.

Remember, darling, a thriving professional journey includes a healthy dose of personal time.

4. Glow Up with a Holistic Lifestyle

Your glow-up is not just about business – it’s about your well-being too. Break a sweat, eat those greens, and get those Zs.

Physical wellness is the secret weapon for a sharp mind and unstoppable productivity.

5. Take Breathers – You’ve Earned It

Success isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Schedule those breaks like a boss. A quick walk, a zen moment, or a chat with a work buddy – these pauses aren’t just for show; they’re your secret weapons against burnout.

6. Squad Goals – Build Your Support Crew

You’re not in this alone, babe. Surround yourself with fellow hustlers who get it.

Share your wins, ask for advice, and offer support within your squad. A strong support network is like a cozy security blanket for the entrepreneurial rollercoaster.

Your Blueprint for Sparkling Success

In a nutshell, dodging burnout is an art. Dream big, delegate smart, balance your hustle, live that healthy lifestyle, take those breathers, and build your squad.

You’re not just building a business; you’re crafting a success story with staying power.

Stay tuned for my next article, where we’ll talk about how to bounce back from burnout like the true boss you are.

Remember, superstar, it’s your journey – let’s make it a fabulous one!

In the ever-evolving world of business, those of us with entrepreneurial aspirations often find ourselves on an exciting yet sometimes confusing journey of self-discovery and seemingly endless opportunities.

While the conventional career path encourages us to excel within our assigned role by prioritizing daily tasks within that job description and steadily climbing the corporate ladder – there is an invigorating and highly effective alternative: not doing your job, and breaking free from the confines of your job description.

Step Outside

Imagine this: You’re working in a company, climbing the ranks, and while you’re okay with your daily grind, there’s a fire within you for something more. To break free from the mundane and chart your own course toward entrepreneurial success.

It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons.

It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of believing that your job is all about ticking off a checklist of tasks. But for those of us who desire to thrive in the ever-dynamic world of business, it’s time for a paradigm shift.

Instead of merely going through the motions at your job, let’s make it your mission to dive headfirst into every facet of the business and industry you’re in.

Trust me; this approach can be an absolute game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Knowledge is Your Superpower

Now, here’s the deal – knowledge is the true key to unlocking your potential. By daring to venture beyond the confines of your job description and plunging into every nook and cranny of your business and industry, you arm yourself with a treasure chest of insights that can be your secret weapon down the road. Understanding how every department within a business operates, getting a birds-eye view of industry dynamics, and learning the challenges it faces – gives you a strategic edge.

When you possess a holistic understanding, you’re not just making decisions; you’re making savvy, well-informed choices. You’ll be the one spotting opportunities that others may miss, and you’ll gracefully navigate the ever-shifting currents of that field. Remember, in the world of entrepreneurship, adaptability, and foresight can be your guiding stars.

Forge Connections

Entrepreneurship thrives on relationships and connections. By taking the initiative to learn beyond your job description, you’ll naturally expand your network. You’ll interact with colleagues from various departments, have inspiring conversations with industry experts, and, who knows, you might even create lasting bonds with clients or partners. These relationships hold the power to open the doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship that can fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s about cultivating meaningful, collaborative relationships built on trust and mutual benefit. By showcasing your insatiable hunger for learning and your eagerness to contribute beyond your job title, you’ll earn the respect and trust of the amazing people in your network – qualities that are utterly priceless when you decide to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship.

Let Your Creativity Soar

Here’s the thing: creativity is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. When you break free from the confines of your job, you’re essentially letting your creative genie out of the bottle. By immersing yourself in various facets of the business, you expose yourself to a diverse array of challenges as well as opportunities, and this will unleash your creativity.

Seeing the bigger picture allows you to craft innovative solutions, spot untapped territories, and cook up unique approaches to common problems. Your ability to think outside the box will set you apart as an entrepreneur who brings fresh, exhilarating perspectives to the table.

Become the Ultimate Problem Solver

One of the most incredible perks of venturing beyond your job description is becoming a bonafide problem solver. Instead of waiting for someone else to step up to the plate when issues find their way onto the scene, you’ll be the one proactively identifying and resolving problems across the entire organization. This mindset isn’t just about flaunting your dedication; it’s about showcasing your leadership potential.

Entrepreneurs are natural-born problem solvers! They view challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow. By embracing this mindset in your current role, you’ll be more than prepared for the wild, rollercoaster ride of the entrepreneurial journey that awaits you.  Trust me, it will be a rollercoaster.

Showcase Your Invaluable Worth

Entrepreneurs are renowned for their resourcefulness and their ability to juggle multiple hats. By actively diving into various aspects of a business and your field, you’re not just showcasing your value to your employer; you’re turning yourself into a bona fide Swiss Army knife.

What’s more, demonstrating your worth can lead to promotions, salary bumps, and opportunities for career advancement. It’s a win-win scenario: you gain valuable skills and experience while turbocharging your marketability in the job market.

But take heed.  Don’t allow your skills and capabilities to be abused.  If your contributions to the business do not come with advancement, it may be time to look for a new role at a new company.  Don’t allow anyone to cause your career or goals to stagnate.  Keep in mind that you can and should always leave in a professional manner when moving on.  Your future self, goals, employees, and business will be grateful.

Finaly, My Friend, Dare to Dream

In your relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial success, I implore you: never confine yourself to the rigid boundaries of your job description. Embrace the incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute beyond the narrow confines of what you’re officially tasked with. This mindset doesn’t just equip you with the knowledge, connections, and creativity essential for entrepreneurship – it positions you as a dynamic, proactive problem solver and an indispensable asset in your current role.

So, please, don’t do your job—embrace more, learn more, and be more. Your epic journey toward entrepreneurship begins with the audacious decision to break free from the ordinary and wholeheartedly embrace the extraordinary. Your dreams are waiting, my fellow dream-chaser, so go out there and seize them with both hands!

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