Do you always put your needs second? Whether it’s business or personal, many of us place second in our list of priorities.
I am no exception.
Service First
A post by my writer buddy, Sharon Hurley Hall, got me thinking about this again. Sharon asked –
“Are you your own worst client?”
Get Paid to Write Online Blog Post
Sharon is like many writers. She has a number of “personal” projects that always seem to take second place behind her clients’ projects.
Great customer service is an excellent trait, but why do we have such a hard time balancing it with our own projects? I told Sharon that I often felt guilt over working on my own projects.
- I know it’s not rational
- But 30+ years of service jobs is hard to break
- Or is it something else?
The Doctor Will See You Now
Self-analysis is also a good thing.
- It takes you off auto-pilot
- It helps you improve
- You beat others to the punch
- Those too happy to tell you your problems
The Diagnosis
I am very honest with myself – when I don’t have that voice turned off.
I know my strengths and my weaknesses. That was a standard interview question in Corporate America so I had to come up with something.
I know I am good at what I do, and a master procrastinator when I want to be –
- I procrastinate when I’m bored; and
- I procrastinate when I’m scared
The guilt I feel when I work on my own projects stems from the idea I am not earning money. Well, duh – you never will if you don’t finish what you’re doing.
I also know all the tricks about scheduling time for my projects, just like I would a client. But, until I recognize my guilt or procrastination for what it is – believing in my dreams – I will always be second place.
Do you put your dreams second?
How did you break through to be #1?
Good question, Cathy. Although I’ve achieved some of my bigger personal goals, I tend to procrastinate on my own writing projects. Sometimes it seems as though there aren’t enough hours in the day (I’m no J K Rowling). But if I’m honest with myself, it’s about not giving my stuff the same value as projects for clients – long term that’s not a good idea. Thanks for the timely kick in the pants and reminder to stop procrastinating.
Thanks, Sharon. I appreciate the inspiration. 🙂 Don’t we both wish we were a J K Rowling?
I agree we need to give ourselves permission to treat our own projects like we do clients – with the same care and attention. Thanks for stopping by, Sharon.
Hi Cathy,
I’ve put myself second most of my life. It hasn’t been until recently that I decided I needed to start putting my priorities first. It’s a struggle in my head, but I’ll get there!
What I came to realize was that if I don’t put my priorities first at least a portion of each day I can never help the ones I love in the way that I want to help. If I don’t take the time to do what I know I need to do I can never share my success with them!
Thanks for a great post,
Tammy
Hi Tammy: Thank you for sharing your story. I think many of us have been in the same boat. I saw the final show of Oprah yesterday, and it’s what she has been preaching for years, When you work on yourself first by finding your passion, you find the happiness and fulfillment we all look for.
Thanks for stopping by, Tammy.
Now that I read this, I was just wondering if this is common with most writers. I do lots of business writing, including business plans and corporate brochure for clients but it took me ‘ages’ to create my own.
Again, I have learned to become less sentimental to clients and start setting aside some time daily for my own jobs.
Hi Stella-Almost every writer I know struggles with putting their projects first. Their clients love them for their great service. It’s like my writer buddy, Sharon, said, we are our own worst client.
Thank you for stopping by, Stella.
Hi Cathy,
I’m of the Ayn Rand school of thought: if everybody were more selfish the world would be a better place. Everybody would meet their needs, fulfill themselves, and in turn would be more equipped and willing to serve others.
I keep my projects first. Otherwise, people wouldn’t receive my best stuff. Meaning I’d be doing a disservice to others.
I honor them by being the best me, offering my skills, and take everything else from there.
Thanks for sharing.
Ryan
Hi Ryan-that’s a good place to be when the result is offering your best. It’s a radical shift for some to put themselves first. Thank you for your perspective. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Sometimes, yes. I put it aside when I should put it front-and-center.
Maybe make time first thing in the morning for MY writing. It’s something I’m fully conscious of, but rarely act on. Thanks for the push, Cathy. 🙂
Hi, Lori. Ever since I saw Devon’s comment on your blog about putting her 1st 1,000 words on her projects, I have tried to do the same-well, probably not 1,000 words, but I set aside time in the morning. I am not always successful at remembering that. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by where I can actually comment. LOL!! 😀