When I left my teaching career in 2020 to start an education company, I fantasised about long, relaxing morning routines, midweek coffee dates with my husband, and endless passport stamps. It was a far cry from weekend report writing, exam marking, rushing to recess duty, and late-night parent-teacher interviews.
Like many business owners, I dreamed of freedom.
Fast forward to 2022, and technically, I had created it. My calendar was spacious. My income far exceeded my old salary. My team handled the day-to-day running of the business.
And yet…I felt time-poor.
Every spare moment was filled with something “productive.” A beach walk became time for a marketing podcast. A treadmill warm-up became a moment to respond to clients. A post office line became an opportunity to create a reel.
My default response was, “I’m too busy,” and the constant mental chatter was, “There’s so much to do!” Coffee catch-ups? Out of the question. A midweek phone call with my dad? Not during a “workday”.
My realisation
Friends and family started saying things like, “I won’t waste your time, I know you’re busy,” I thought…enough is enough. I didn’t leave a career to build my own prison.
The thing about business owners is that we always want more – more impact, more audience, more growth. But there’s always more you could do.
In 2022, I took a long, hard look in the mirror and got honest with myself. Yes, I wanted big, audacious success. But business success without people to share it with – without zest for life or the ability to have a present conversation – wasn’t worth it.
So, I decided to break up with the “more is better” mentality.
That year, something happened that changed my approach to productivity forever: I spent 10 weeks cycling 5,000 km across Europe with my husband.
Most days, I was so busy enjoying the ride that I limited laptop time to two to three hours. I focused on needle-moving tasks, closed my laptop, and continued exploring.
Creativity flowed.
Inspiration hit.
Productivity soared.
And my business thrived.
Practical changes I made
When I returned home with proof that more isn’t always better, I made practical changes that helped me become more present, focused, and productive. Here are my top suggestions:
- Hire an office or co-working space
Separate work from home life. A dedicated workspace reduces the temptation to keep working after hours and helps you mentally “clock out.” - Batch content months ahead
Plan content quarterly. It frees up time and ensures your marketing is cohesive and intentional, rather than reactive. - Trade podcasts for music
Not every moment needs to be productive. Swap podcasts for music during walks or drives to give your brain a break and make room for creativity. - Trade non-fiction for fiction
Reading for pleasure, not work, sparks new ideas and gives your mind a much-needed escape. Fiction balances out a learning-heavy schedule. - Keep your phone in a cupboard in the AM and PM
Start and end your day intentionally. Avoid the temptation to scroll or check emails first thing in the morning or late at night to create space for stillness and connection.
The evidence is clear: more isn’t always better. Freedom isn’t just about financial success or empty calendars – it’s about living fully and intentionally.
I didn’t leave a career to create another version of burnout, and I bet you didn’t start your business to sacrifice your life either.
By choosing balance, focus, and intentionality, success feels lighter, creativity flows more freely, and your presence – at work and home – becomes your superpower.
