Sandra Garlick MBE’s Post

Running a business is really hard. What they don't tell vou is that it can cause severe stress and anxiety, and drains you mentally to the point of depression in even the most laid-back people. People will talk about you, compare you to others, use you, they will view vou as a service and not a person anymore. Friends and family will expect discounts and people will value you and your hard work less than a big chain store. You have to worry about if you forget to email message someone back, are they going to think it was on purpose? Did you disappoint them? Will they hold that against you? When in reality you just can't get to everyone's messages and emails. Starting up and running a successful business puts incredible strain on personal lives and relationships, many of which fail because there is just often no work life balance. You need to be the director, the worker, the admin, the marketing team, the accountant, the cleaner.... All whilst being a parent, a husband or a wife, family support, friend... There's a reason you don't see many people succeed in small businesses after 5-10 years. If they are successful they are overwhelmed. It takes a toll. It's freaking exhausting. Especially the past couple of years when so much has been out of our control. Here's a small reminder that we are just normal people with hectic lives. Be kind, be patient, support one Another❤️🤝

The reality of juggling business and life’s ups and downs… For the past couple of weeks, one of my kids has been unwell. That’s meant multiple doctors' appointments, medications, sleepless nights, and needing to be there for him. It’s been tough. As a business owner, you know that life doesn’t pause for work, and these moments can really take a toll on your focus, time, and energy. You juggle family, clients, deadlines—and sometimes, you just have to adjust. This has been a reminder to give myself grace, but also to trust in the systems and strategies I’ve put in place for times like these. Business doesn’t stop, but it’s okay to step back and reprioritise when life throws a curveball. For those of you facing your own challenges while running a business—I see you! It’s hard, but finding balance is key. If you could use help streamlining your operations or setting up systems that allow for more flexibility when life happens, I’d love to chat. Remember, we’re all human, and it’s okay to make room for both life and business.

Running a business is really hard. What they don't tell vou is that it can cause severe stress and anxiety, and drains you mentally to the point of depression in even the most laid-back people. People will talk about you, compare you to others, use you, they will view vou as a service and not a person anymore. Friends and family will expect discounts and people will value you and your hard work less than a big chain store. You have to worry about if you forget to email message someone back, are they going to think it was on purpose? Did you disappoint them? Will they hold that against you? When in reality you just can't get to everyone's messages and emails. Starting up and running a successful business puts incredible strain on personal lives and relationships, many of which fail because there is just often no work life balance. You need to be the director, the worker, the admin, the marketing team, the accountant, the cleaner.... All whilst being a parent, a husband or a wife, family support, friend... There's a reason you don't see many people succeed in small businesses after 5-10 years. If they are successful they are overwhelmed. It takes a toll. It's freaking exhausting. Especially the past couple of years when so much has been out of our control. Here's a small reminder that we are just normal people with hectic lives. Be kind, be patient, support one Another❤️🤝

In the bustling life of a business owner, time is a precious commodity. Stolen by distractions and interruptions, it impacts job satisfaction and family relationships. Explore practical strategies to protect your time and regain control of your day.

I see a lot of these pseudo-inspirational posts from some of the most successful/wealthy business owners with words to the effect of "don't sacrifice X for success" - usually along the lines of work/life balance or something similar. Ironically, most of these people posting like this did exactly what they tell everyone not to do. Here's some lessons in business I've learned: - You do have to sacrifice work/life balance (of course you do... when you own a business the reality is, business & home blend together in some way. It's not unhealthy to do that!) - You're permanently on call... if something happens to/in my business, I want to be the first to know about it. - You get paid last. Each business has a pot of money, as the business owner you're essentially the trustee of that pot. Staff get paid first, suppliers second, you last. Maybe one day you'll be successful enough to not worry about that pot so much. ^ These things aren't bad, providing you don't run yourself into the ground doing them. Being a business owner, of course it is... otherwise everyone would be doing it! All business owners have to make some kind of sacrifice at some point, and that's ok.

There’s so much noise out there about how to be successful...🤦🏾♀️⁠ ⁠ 👉🏾 Wake up at 4 AM.⁠ 👉🏾 Meditate for an hour.⁠ 👉🏾 Journal your life away.⁠ 👉🏾 Read all the business books.⁠ 👉🏾 Plan your day before sunrise like a productivity superhero.⁠ ⁠ But let’s be real… half the people saying this are probably posting it from their beds (like me in this video 🙃).⁠ ⁠ Here’s the truth: success isn’t about following someone else’s rigid routine—it’s about building a business that works for you.⁠ ⁠ ✨ Sleep in if you need to.⁠ ✨ Take that midday nap to shake off a headache.⁠ ✨ Focus on putting systems, automations, and outsourcing in place so you’re running your business efficiently—without running yourself into the ground.⁠ ⁠ Because grace and rest are just as important as hustle and strategy. Build a business that serves you, not the other way around.⁠ ⁠ What’s one thing you do to give yourself grace as a business owner? Share it below—we’re in this together!

Is Your Business Taking Over Your Life? Running a successful business is hard work. It’s like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle - exciting but a bit chaotic. And let’s be real, who says your success should come at the cost of your sanity and personal life? This week we have been making the most of where we live. With no school routine restrictions we've been heading down to the beach for the sunsets, which means the kids have a slow morning and I get my work done. Flexibility is so important, you need time to focus on what truly matters in your business and life. Imagine having support that fits seamlessly into your hectic schedule. Sounds like a dream, right? I offer flexible admin services designed specifically for business owners like you - those who are 2-3 years in and feeling the weight of growth. This way, you can finally focus on scaling your business and enjoying the fruits of your hard work, instead of drowning in paperwork. Let’s face it, good support can be a total lifesaver. Flexibility isn’t about squeezing into a rigid 9-to-5; it’s about having someone who understands that life - and business - can be messy. Think about how much smoother things could be with a little extra help. How would having someone else handle the admin tasks change your daily routine? What would it feel like to finally have some time to focus on strategic growth or take a well-deserved break? Let’s talk about how flexible support can work for you. Your business and sanity will thank you. Ready to make life easier? Contact me today!

In the bustling life of a business owner, time is a precious commodity. Stolen by distractions and interruptions, it impacts job satisfaction and family relationships. Explore practical strategies to protect your time and regain control of your day.