You...and your business
You are not your business and your business is not you.
It is very easy to get caught in the trap of confusing 'your own self', with that of your business.
There is you...and then, there is your business.
You are not your business and your business is not you.
It's easy to get confused by this obvious distinction because in our world that is so heavily in love with the construct of the 'economic self', it is alluring to get validation from, and attach our own self-worth to, our work.
It can often feel like work is our life. Yet this socially accepted norm is a dangerous illusion that can result in some radical self harm.
The problem is that when we blur the lines between ourselves, what we ideologically believe and cherish, and what is strategically best for our work; our mental bias' become more deeply intertwined with our professional decision-making.
We personally open ourselves up for self judgment and criticism based on the assumed progress (or lack there of) of our business and professional lives.
This is not only detrimental to our mental health, but is also less than ideal when it comes to our sustained enthusiasm to do great work.
When there is no separation, we are unable to isolate potential downside performance in one area of our lives, which creates a nasty reinforcing feedback loop of negativity influencing every other aspect of our life.
You are not your business and your business is not you.
If you are an entrepreneur; remind yourself that you are building an asset of value that serves the needs of your customers. Pouring your heart and soul into it is not required or recommended. Building your business is your work - that's all.
If you are a professional; your company is your client. Ultimately you are selling your time to help build an asset that doesn't belong to you. Apply your skills and energy appropriately, but realise too that there are many aspects of your work that are ultimately out of your control.
Ironically it's easier to build a great business, or grow a stellar career, when you are not mentally attaching 'yourself' to it.
Keep the lines clear and set yourself free.