E-Myth: Delegated, Automated, Now What?

You've probably heard of books like The 4-Hour Work Week and The E-Myth. They teach entrepreneurs how to delegate and liberate themselves from the day-to-day operations of their business so they can do what they've always dreamed of doing -- sit back and watch the revenues roll in. It's the great American dream - right?

Here's something few people talk about ... when you get to that point, what do you do with yourself? Sure, you think you'll travel, you'll see the world, you'll take up golf or painting. And that's all great. But if you're a work-a-holic who has finally been able to delegate the majority of the day-to-day tasks of your business, there's a lot of junk that goes on in your head when shifting from "doing" to "being."

For example, I took off the month of June, yep, I took it off. I worked in my garden, spent time with my 6 kids, went on a family vacation. I think it's the most amount of time I've spent outside work in 19 years. The only thing I did was monitor emails and post a few fun updates to Facebook. Everything else in my business is automated or delegated. It's a liberating place to be. And since Independence Day is coming up in the US, I thought I'd chat a little with you about the typical traps the independent entrepreneur tends to fall into.

1) We feel guilty. "I should be working. It's not right that these revenues should flow in so easily with so little effort."

2) We feel fear. "Oh, no, what if I cut back on the time I spend in my business and it all falls apart?"

3) We don't know what do with ourselves. "Hmmm... maybe I should start a new project?" If work is all we know and are, we'll fall into the trap of creating more work for ourselves instead of actually living and being. As Ann Quindlen, an essayist and novelists said, "You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are."

I don't claim to have all the answers. I'm in the midst of this, but a few things that have helped me are the following:

a) Immerse yourself in a relaxing, yet productive hobby. In my case it's gardening.

b) Take a vacation. Go somewhere you've always wanted to go.

c) Spend quality time with those you love.

d) Journal. Each morning after I work in my garden, I sit on my back deck and journal whatever's on my mind. It's amazing how therapeutic journaling is and how much more clearly I see the world. I've even used a few of my journal entries in my blog.

e) Take action from a place of stillness. Contrary to what you'd think from the title, my ecourse How to Get More Done in a Day than Most People Accomplish in a Week isn't about being a rat on a wheel. It's about delegation, automation, and operating with focus and serenity. Had I not learned these principles, I'd probably be filling this gap with a bunch of busy work instead of enjoying it thoroughly.

Those are my ideas. I'd love to hear from you. What are some of the typical traps you've found and how have you sidestepped them?

Comments

[Barbara Pellegrino]

Thank you for this:)
[email protected]
http://www.visionboards.net

[Kimberly Flores]

Thanks for bringing me back to Earth!
It's not about BUSY work, but productive work.
I log in to Simpleolgy.com and have the wimiki that tells me when to take a break, but I have to remember to be mindful of everything around me.

[Andrew Large]

Hi there Marnie.

Thanks for the words of wisdom. Yes, all those that are involved in an E-business have the dream of that 'extended vacation time' that only ends when you decide it will end!

It's true that people are more likely to achieve this freedom with an on-line business these days than with any other type of business, so it's worth pursuing...but it is still hard work requiring some grit and determination.

Thanks for the reminder to maintain perspective

[Virpi Tervonen]

Thank you for this post, Marnie!

Especially the part where you discussed about defining yourself only though what you do, and feeling to be “more” by working long hours.

What Ann Quindlen, said, "You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are." is a written gem that many of us should read every day until we really get it.

[Gerard O'Donovan]

Hi Marnie
well done, I really liked your post. I would like your permission to send it on to my coaching database which is over 30,000. Looking forward to hearing back from.
[email protected]
Warmest
Gerard

[Paul B. Taubman, II]

So very true! So many people confuse Activity for Action. It is very easy to get caught up in activities that may need to get done, but do not produce the actions that are required to move ahead.

It is an awesome accomplishment to do what you want to do!

Be Well.
Paul.
http://www.AllAboutGratitude.com

[Marty Thomas]

Hi Marnie. Interested in your thoughts.. Does 37signals or E-myth have the right philosophy for business start-ups today? www.purlem.com/blog/?p=38