Today we celebrate Independence Day in the United States. I have been thinking a lot lately about independent business and life practices… good and bad.

Look “Independent” up in the dictionary (or, as one does, find it at merriam-webster.com) and you will find some very appealing definitions:

not subject to control by others : self-governing
not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent
being enough to free one from the necessity of working for a living

I started a business, partly because I wanted to be more in control of the way I served the world.  I decide which projects and clients to take on, and the amount I work and the revenue I create in my business is 100% on me.

Eventually, it might be kind of cool to be free from the necessity of working for a living…

I also greatly enjoy the part of my work where I’m creating systems and programs that, once launched, are not contingent on the input or effort of anybody in the business to drive engagement and revenue. In my business, this looks like email marketing automation programs. Once we implement an acquisition and nurture program, a series of emails are set in motion to support a new subscriber in their journey with the business. 

Pretty sweet that this all happens, largely independent of the business owner’s active work.

The flip-side of independence

But there are times when independence on its own is actually LESS than ideal.

I have a VERY independent two-and-a-half year old daughter.

I MOSTLY love that she is so self-sufficient. But every now and again, her independence has the potential to actually be harmful, both to her and to those around her.

For example, I prefer that my children hold my hand in parking lots and in busy intersections. You know, for safety. 

Consider this ACTUAL interchange:

“Maddox, please hold my hand while we cross the street.”
“I’ll hold my own hand!” she responds indignantly.

And she actually does hold her own hand.

Which is pretty cute, except that now if she trips while crossing the street unattended she will likely face-plant.

OR, when asked to put on some socks under her cowboy boots, Maddox decides that she won’t even ASK for help reaching the sock drawer (which is on the tippy top of the dresser, out of reach). Independent Ms. Maddox resourcefully pulls the bottom drawer out and uses it as a stepping stool. Except, Independent Ms. Maddox is also 40 lb., a sufficient weight to pull the dresser down on to her, scaring the crap out of me and bashing up her little shins in the process.

Bringing it back to independent business

I take great pride in my own independence. I like owning my future, being responsible for the impact I’m making, and being largely self-governing in how I spend my days. I’m also becoming increasingly aware of the ways in which my fierce determination to be independent is holding me back, and potentially harming my business. 

Are there things I could learn quicker if I paid for some training? Are there tasks I have the capacity to do, but really SHOULD NOT DO because they drain me and I suck at them? With a coach to hold my hand, wouldn’t I cross the street to greater success with less chance of a face plant?

Can you relate?

Take a moment to reflect on your business, life, career. Where are the places where your independence is serving you? Where are the areas where your independence may be holding you back?

And if email marketing falls into the latter camp, I hope you’ll consider giving me a call. Email marketing is 100% my jam, and I’d love to help you achieve your goals more quickly (and safely). 

Happy 4th of July!