As a busy business owner, you’ll be well aware of the multitude of responsibilities that come with the territory: goal setting, nurturing the right mindset, maintaining a work-life balance, managing finances, navigating marketing strategies, leading your team, and streamlining your processes. It can often feel like a relentless race against the clock, and sometimes, it can be downright overwhelming.

But what if I told you that achieving time freedom and maintaining your sanity starts with aligning your commitments with your core values?

In this article, we'll explore how this simple concept can transform your business and mindset.

The Power of Values Alignment

Values alignment is a process that requires self-reflection, mindfulness, and commitment. It means evaluating your commitments and ensuring they resonate with your core values. Here's why it matters:

ENHANCED FULFILMENT. When your commitments align with your values, your work becomes more than just a chore. You find a deeper sense of purpose in what you do. This not only enhances your job satisfaction but also your overall quality of life.

IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH. The constant grind of business can take a toll on your mental health. Aligning your commitments with your values minimises stress and improves emotional well-being, reducing the risk of burnout and increasing your resilience.

BUILDING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS. When your business decisions and partnerships align with your values, you're more likely to attract clients, employees, and partners who share those values. This leads to more authentic and harmonious relationships.

Examples of values

Values can vary widely among individuals and businesses. What's essential is that you identify the values that resonate with you. Even better, work them out as a team. While it's impossible to cover every kind of value in this article, here are a few we find are universally relevant:

INTEGRITY. Conduct your business with honesty and transparency. Avoid unethical practices and maintain a solid moral compass.

RESPECT. A positive and respectful work environment where you respect your employees, clients, and partners should be non-negotiable.

INNOVATION. Foster a culture of innovation to keep your business relevant and ahead of the curve.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. Find the time to give back to your community and make a positive impact on society.

SUSTAINABILITY. Embrace sustainable practices to reduce your environmental footprint.

Choose your clients wisely!

If you work with clients who demonstrate the same core values as you, I promise you will avoid (most) stressful interactions.

Conversely, if your clients don’t share the same core values as you, it can lead to frustration and upset (you know, the ones where you wonder if they even understand you –and vice versa!). It hurts you, them and especially your team. It can even cost you money if you go around in circles, trying to please them.

This real-life example will speak louder than theory. TI Accountancy (the accountancy practice I founded) eventually established a "No D*ckhead" policy. It came after we decided we wanted to work only with people who shared the same values as us. Having the policy in place enforces respect and courtesy in all interactions. If someone is rude or abusive towards our team, we no longer work with them! It’s as simple as that.

It's a bold move but aligns with our core value of demonstrating respect and expecting it in return. This leads to a more harmonious work environment and attracts clients who appreciate our values and conduct.

And try to avoid ignoring your core values and taking on ‘just any’ work – because you need the business. In my experience, although that can be VERY tempting, especially at the start of your business journey when you perhaps need the money, it rarely works out well.

Finding the right headspace to align your commitments with your values

Working out your values and how they align with your core values can take time at first; sometimes, a little guidance can help.

Why not attend one of our regular Mindset Matters workshops? They provide valuable tools and insights to help you gain clarity on your core values so you can align them to your commitments accordingly. The workshops also offer tips and tools to help you get into the right mindset to achieve Time Freedom.

Remember: the journey to Time Freedom is not about doing less; it's about doing what truly matters to you. Take the time to reflect on your values, and you'll find that the path to Time Freedom becomes clearer and more achievable.

Are you ready to learn more about how aligning your commitments with your values can help you achieve more time freedom?

Then connect to The Time Alchemist.

Know how well you're doing in Time Freedom? Wouldn't it be great to set a benchmark or understand areas for improvement? Good news, I thought of that too, and I've created a quiz so you can.

Taking the quiz helps business owners and entrepreneurs identify the Ground Zero. It helps them determine which areas they need the more support in. So here it is.

Click the link and you go to the quiz page TIME FREEDOM QUIZ.

It will take about 10 minutes, but I guarantee you'll get that time back tenfold when you start making the recommended changes to how you work.