Choices

Recently, I was told this: Madami ka namang oras. (You have plenty of free time anyways) I wondered, how did this person come to assume that I have plenty of free time?

Being a small creative business owner means I manage all these myself: admin, sales, hr, finance, marketing, branding, project management, equipment upkeep, etc.

While I know I can outsource some of these tasks or get an assistant, I choose not to just yet because the process allows me to grow as a business owner. I know I can handle it with efficient time management and hard work.

I do have an accountant and I have a reliable team I work with on the creative production and post-production side of the business. But aside from that, the desire for continuous growth and learning runs 24/7.

How can we serve our clients better? How can we improve our workflow? What can I do to make my business more sustainable? How can I train and motivate the team better?

Ideas pop up anytime of the day – the moment I wake up, in the shower, before I fall asleep, you name it!

I won’t be expounding on work delegation (If I haven’t done so yet) because this post is not about that. Thing is, aside from all the other work related tasks, we do have other areas in our lives that we have to find time for – relationships, health, growth, contribution, and other passions.

I love what I do with all my heart and soul, but it does not define me. Much like what you do, does not define you. Life is not all about “what you do”.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. And it is what we choose to put into those available hours that matter. We all have different priorities, we value different things, and we all walk different paths.

I don’t intend to be the most successful photographer without a relationship with my family, friends, and loved ones. I do not intend to be wealthy but unfulfilled and unhealthy. I explore other passions – I write, I sing, I cook. I read books that allow me to grow. I explore a different place at least once a year. I always find quality time for family. I find time to have authentic conversations with my partner, and bond with friends I value most.

I know that my life is the sum of the choices I make. And I know I can do so much better with the precious time that I am gifted with by taking charge.

True enough, I do have plenty of time. 24 hours in one day is more than enough if we make choices that contribute to the aspects of our lives we value most.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to respecting each other’s priorities and honoring your own. Let’s not belittle other people’s journey. And more importantly, let us not belittle our own.