I think Dan Kennedy warned about it:

When you go full throttle into your business some people in your life are going to get pissed off.

I'm not a workaholic. In fact, I'd be a full time leisurist if I could.

However, I just signed up for a coaching program that is going to make me unavailable on weekends for the next 4 months.

And news flash: just because I work for myself doesn't mean my Fridays are flexible extensions (or substitutes) of the weekend.

Gah!

I can relate Suz

It is hard, but worth it in the end, try to find some YOU time though!

Keep your perspective.

My wife is first.
Kids second.
Friends and work alternate for third.

And where does fishing fit into all this? You really need to learn a few things about time management...you really do.

You make a valid point Bruce. Things do have to be kept in perspective.

But let me add two points-- and this is from dealing with entrepreneurs, product developers and marketing folk for an awfully long time now.

First, is that there is a price to be paid for everything. It's up to the person to decide how successful they want to be and then "pay the price", usually in time, effort and money in order to reach that plateau. And that plateau, isn't for everyone. Many will mouth the words, but will not extend the total effort needed.

Secondly, when many say that they are "working", what that usually means is "busy" work, but not necessarily productive. Are they really working on the things necessary to grow their business and their incomes? And far too much of the time the answer is "no". They can work 10-12-14 hours a day, but accomplish damn little when it comes to doing those things that will take a business from doing small numbers to doing big numbers.

Many times if a person focused on spending most of their day on business growth tasks rather than business maintenance tasks, then they would find that they would actually be freeing up time for some of the other important things in their lives rather than adding just one more task to an already, busy, but unproductive schedule.

Suzanne,

You and I have both talked about this is great detail, so you know that I know where you're coming from.

I agree with everything that Michael said. However, sometimes it's difficult to manage. Now that you're doing the coaching, you'll pay the price of your time for now but it will pay off later in profits. I believe in giving a lot of sweat equity upfront, and that's exactly how I've managed my copywriting career. Also, I've worked for clients who have taught me a lot, and that way I keep up with the business and learn at the same time. It's too bad that a lot of new copywriters want to hold out for the money without realizing the value of working--and learning--with top marketers.

Anyone who is irritated because you're investing in your business just doesn't get it and never will. Turn a blind eye to the nay-sayers and keep doing what you're doing. In six months you'll be a lot closer to your goals and the nay-sayers will just have to find something else to be negative about.

I've got plenty of perspective. And one of them is that my weekends for the next 4 months are worth sacrificing for what I'm going to get back in business savvy.

It's just bloody 4 months...

By the way, the reason I'm getting bitched at is because someone expects me to accommodate their schedule instead of meeting me half way. (plus this is NOT a significant other!)

I don't quite get the connection between weekend coaching and unproductive busy-ness...but hey...mi soapbox es tu soapbox.

Thank you! I knew you'd understand. I completely agree. The sniping I got about my schedule took me by surprise. Never encountered it before although I've witnessed others being chastised when they commit to something full fledge.

thanks! absolutely. I believe in a good balance. And I know you have to take a reality pulse every so often to make sure you aren't skimping out on taking care of yourself or spending time with others.

I think it's pretty threatening to a lot of people when you actually take some big action. It can make it hard for others to continue to tell themselves, "I'd start my own business if I had the time" or "I'm going to get around to XYZ one of these days."

You might take comfort in the fact that you are inspiring the do-ers and annoying the BS-ers. That's what I try to do, anyway.