If you haven’t had success, then you’re probably making this mistake.
Sorry that I totally bailed on writing you last week. I was actually in Mexico on a self-led writer’s retreat to work on the new curriculum for Live More Weigh Less (coming in April). Though the core of the program is the same, I’ve taken all of the learnings and feedback from 2012 to create an even more effective program. My goal is to have it be the last weight loss program you’ll ever have to take, and with that comes a LOT of pressure (good pressure) to give you everything you need, delivered in the most effective, fun and beautiful way. I can’t wait for you to experience it.
Since returning from Mexico I’ve had a lot of people making casual comments like…
“You were in Hawaii AND Mexico this month? Must be nice to be you.”
“I can’t figure it out, do you ever work?”
“Your life isn’t real.”
“When do you make money?”
Though I wish I could say that I respond with confidence, most of time I laugh it off and tell people how much writing I got done in Mexico to prove that I’m a hard worker and say how lucky Jonathan and I were to spend time in Hawaii because we both work so hard.
I was apologizing for accomplishing two of my dreams: going on a romantic vacation for no reason except for the fact I’m in love with my husband, and working from a tropical paradise because I don’t have to report to anyone but myself.
(If you’re craving this lifestyle for yourself, you should check out my business coach, Marie Forleo’s B-School, where she teaches women how to make it big online. When you sign up through my unique link you’ll be able to join my group mentorship program for free. You can get all the deets here: http://sarahjenks.com/blog/bschool)
Jonathan was present when someone made one of the comments above and before I had time to apologize for my lifestyle he chimed in, “Sarah doesn’t live by the old working model that we know. She’s figured out how to work less, and make more. More hours don’t equal more money for her. I think it’s awesome.”
Rock.on.
Of course I’ve had weeks when I’m working around the clock and I definitely have my fair share of anxiety when it comes to producing results for my clients, but overall I’ve learned that stress and struggle do not lead to success – in work or in weight. Tweet it!
There’s this universal idea that if you suffer, struggle and work your ass off for long enough that it will eventually create wealth, beauty and happiness in your life.
It’s like saying if you practice being miserable for long enough then one day you’ll wake up and be really good at being happy.
That’s like saying that if you practice playing guitar for months then you’ll automatically become a good baseball player.
Hmmm. See the issue here? It doesn’t add up.
When it comes to losing weight, I believe that you need to put down the struggle and restriction and pick up the fun, ease and adventure.
When it comes to work, I believe you need to trade in the cubicles and late nights for gorgeous views and long lunch breaks.
My friend Nisha Moodley puts it as: “Try Easier”.
So in the comments below I want to know how you’re going to try easier this week? And if you’re stumped, let me know and I’ll give you my two cents.
xo
Sarah
P.S. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have a life full of travel and adventure, but none it happened by accident. I consciously created the lifestyle I want by adopting some simple, yet life changing strategies. The woman who helped me accomplish all of this is now opening her doors to welcome a new crew of entrepreneurs into her B-School program, and when you sign up through my unique link (bschool link) you’ll get my group mentorship program for free. I’m telling you this because I’ve learned so much from Marie and if you have your own business, I don’t want you to miss out. You can learn all about B-School and my mentorship program here: http://sarahjenks.com/blog/bschool. Ta ta!
Hey Sarah! This is something I definitely need to practice. But if I’m honest, I’m not sure I know how to try easier. It always feels like I should be busting my ass to really get things done, otherwise I feel like I’m not doing enough. Any suggestions?
Such a great question. Just experiment with doing less for a week. Take breaks, take a day off, only check email twice a day. Then after the week see if you actually got less done. Start with action, then collect evidence. Let me know how it goes!
This is so true Sarah! Thanks for this! Since joining Bschool last Friday morning (no joke!) I’ve been SWAMPED with work, emails, guest posting gigs, clients emailing me, etc. Its awesome! But at the same time kinda stressful, but you and Nisha have definitely been on my mind the last few days when I realized how crazy my life has change and become in the last few days alone. I love trying easier!
Which may actually mean hiring an intern/assistant before I even start Bschool! ha! So excited for the mentorship group Sarah!
xox,
Ashlee
So excited for you Ashley! YES! sounds like you need an assistant. A great problem to have. Also, it’s ok to say no;)
Sarah-
I love that you don’t apologize for living a life you love and deserve. I once heard the further up the ladder you get the more of your ass that people can see and will take shots at. Keep climbing my friend…
xo,
Maria
Thanks love!!
Brilliant – Your husband rocks, perfect answer. I have travelled the world over and always taken extra time off of work for myself and often refused to work over time, much to the chagrin of my past bosses and colleagues and I am no stranger to the ‘must be nice’ attitude. It is hard to navigate and Johnathan’s answer is gold.
Last night I posted on my wall the phrase ‘Keep it Simple’, but I LOVE ‘TRY EASIER’ I’ll be adding that to it.
Thanks Sarah!
Having things written as a reminder is awesome! I like writing it with lipstick on my mirror.
Sarah,
This post was a great reminder that I don’t have to get it all done yesterday!
As I am in the early stages of my business, there are always a million little things to do to create big changes. I picture a work life much like yours in the near future. It’s that dream of the life I’m creating for myself and all the amazing work I am privileged to do with my clients that keeps me energized and motivated. The joy from my work is my “try easier” trick – somehow it all just flows effortlessly when you are truly doing what you love!
Thanks for sharing your story. I look forward to the day when I have an amazing supportive man by my side that says something just as wonderful as your Jonathan!
Aw, thanks Nikki:) I’m a lucky girl. And I know you are on the exact right track, all of your dreams are right around the corner. And yes, you are never behind.
Girl,
I just have to say I really admire you. As I am building my biz, I look up to you, and I see that you have put in a LOT OF HARD WORK. From B-School to Masterminds, and all of the other stuff that goes on behind the scenes of building a biz – because I am in a similar place to where you found yourself a few years ago, I really understand the amount of time, energy and love it takes to make your dreams come true. And honestly, when I’ve gotten your past messages about travel via the newsletter, I was so happy for you because I thought to myself “SHE’S DOING IT! and if she can do it so can I!” I definitely don’t believe in working harder, I believe in working SMARTER, and girl, you are a shining example of what is possible.
You will have people who don’t understand and say sh**ty things – but really we are all mirrors for each other, and I think you are just reflecting something back to them that they really want but don’t want to acknowledge that they do.
Good work. Keep it up. All of it – the “work work” the “play work” and all of the “mega self nourishing and sustaining work”.
Big love,
Ashly
Sarah,
Great blog! I am definitely trying to figure out an online business so that I can be my own boss. I too want to take vacations and live my life at my own pace. I totally agree with your husband in the sense that you should be proud for working smarter, not harder. I have been doing a lot of observing and have noticed that the busy bees are usually the lower paid employees and the higher paid employees don’t usually work as hard. (Yes they have more responsibility, but it doesn’t always mean more work). Therefore I realized I want to be my own CEO. I am currently thinking of a good business plan. I would love to go to bschool, but I don’t have a business plan/model yet, so I don’t think that it will be beneficial yet. Maybe next year…
Love!
Claudia
Sarah, love this post! And I forwarded it to my husband too because the part with Jonathan was just too cute. He so gets it!
YES!
I love that you’ve created this lifestyle for yourself! I totally agree that stress and struggle are absolutely NOT the way to get what we want. I used to fight so hard for my dreams and now I’m learning more about the softer, feminine approach to reaching goals. I know the stress used to kill me inside and out and I’m now enjoying a life that’s more stress-free and I’m attracting more and more of what I want for myself. :]