Work Less, and Earn More
Hey there gang! James Schramko here, founder of the SuperFast community where we help you build your dream lifestyle business. Over the last 13 years, I’ve helped 3,561+ entrepreneurs quickly double and triple their revenue without working nights or weekends.
I’m excited to share my personal journey towards achieving a fulfilling 15-hour work week while building a successful lifestyle business. Buckle up and join me as I take you through the ups and downs, the insights, and the exhilaration of finding the perfect work-life balance, all while pursuing my passion for surfing.
Get ready to be inspired and discover how you can create a business that thrives while leaving ample time for the things you love.
Cutting Down Trees: The Early Struggles
You know, there are times in life when you have to put in some extra effort with little immediate return. It’s like gathering firewood—you cut down the trees, drag them back, and light them up to feel the warmth. Similarly, building a business has its initial challenges. I vividly recall those early days when I balanced a demanding full-time job as a general manager while teaching myself website building. It took a toll on my physical health and strained my relationships, but I knew I had to persevere.
Matching Income and Online Business: The Turning Point
After years of hard work and determination, I set a goal for my online business: matching my income. That was the moment when everything changed. Once I achieved this milestone, I knew it was time to make a daring decision—I left my full-time job behind. It was a leap of faith, driven by the hypothesis that dedicating more time to my online business would accelerate its growth.
And boy, did it pay off! In no time, my business skyrocketed to $100,000 per month by July 2008. It was a game-changer that propelled me towards the next chapter of my entrepreneurial journey.
From 24/7 to Strategic Rest: Embracing Leverage
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Picture this: I used to be one of those online entrepreneurs who worked tirelessly, believing that my business had to be open 24/7. But then, I stumbled upon the concept of buffer days at a strategic coach conference. Intrigued, I decided to experiment with taking Sundays off. And you know what? It felt fantastic!
Encouraged by my wife, who cherishes our time together, I gradually extended my rest days to include Saturdays as well. The result? I now work just three days a week! Can you believe it? The other four days are all about spending quality time with my wife, my daughter, and, of course, indulging in my passion for surfing.
Working Within Constraints: The Power of Leverage
Some might see a 15-hour work week as a limitation, but I see it as an opportunity for innovation. Just like a skilled artist thrives within the constraints of a canvas, I’ve honed my business strategy to maximize profits within my limited hours. It’s all about finding leverage and focusing on the activities that truly matter.
By targeting the right customers, forging strategic partnerships, and optimizing my efforts, I’ve discovered the art of transforming 15 hours into a flourishing enterprise. And you know what’s the best part? My lifestyle business has given me more time to catch those epic waves and experience the pure bliss of surfing.
Delegation and Deleting: A Path to Freedom
Ah, delegation—the secret sauce to reclaiming your time and energy. But here’s the thing—it’s not just about passing off tasks to others. It’s about being ruthless and deleting unnecessary activities altogether. Imagine this: out of the hundred things on your to-do list, only four truly drive results. So why waste precious time on the rest?
Once you’ve identified your vital tasks, you can start delegating and freeing yourself up for the things you truly enjoy. For me, that meant hiring a fantastic team to handle customer support, website maintenance, content creation, and other tasks that could easily be outsourced. This not only lightened my workload but also allowed me to focus on high-value activities that propel my business forward.
Conclusion: Build Your Laptop Lifestyle Business
So, my friend, let my journey inspire you to reimagine your workweek and create a life that brings you joy, success, and the thrill of pursuing your passions. Embrace the power of leverage, find your sweet spot within the limited hours, and witness your business thrive while leaving plenty of time for the activities that make your heart sing.
And for me, that means catching those waves and experiencing the pure freedom and exhilaration that surfing brings. So, join me in carving out a 15-hour work week that leaves ample space for the things you love. Together, let’s design a life that’s not only successful but also filled with endless adventure. See you out there, riding the waves of business and ocean!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a lifestyle business?A lifestyle business is a venture that prioritizes the owner’s desired lifestyle over maximizing profits. It’s about designing a business that aligns with your personal goals, passions, and values. Whether it’s traveling the world, spending more time with family, or pursuing hobbies, a lifestyle business allows you to create the life you want while running a successful venture.
What is the “laptop lifestyle” all about?The “laptop lifestyle” refers to the freedom and flexibility of working remotely, often with just a laptop and an internet connection. It’s about breaking free from the traditional office setting and embracing a location-independent lifestyle. Picture yourself sipping a latte at a café in Bali or answering emails from a hammock on a tropical beach—that’s the essence of the laptop lifestyle!
Can anyone start a laptop business?Absolutely! The beauty of a laptop business is that it has low barriers to entry. With the right skills, determination, and a bit of creativity, anyone can start and run a successful venture online. It opens up opportunities for solopreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and digital nomads to offer their products or services to a global audience, all while enjoying the flexibility and freedom that comes with it.
Do I need to work long hours to succeed with a laptop business?Not necessarily! The idea behind a laptop business is to work smarter, not harder. While building your business initially requires effort and dedication, the goal is to create systems, leverage technology, and delegate tasks to maximize efficiency. With effective time management and strategic decision-making, you can often achieve success within a reasonable number of hours per week, giving you ample time to enjoy the other aspects of your life.
Can a laptop business be fun and profitable at the same time?Absolutely! In fact, the best laptop businesses often stem from the intersection of passion and profitability. When you build a business around something you truly enjoy and excel at, it becomes a source of joy and fulfillment. By combining your expertise with market demand and innovative ideas, you can create a venture that not only brings in profits but also brings a smile to your face every day.
Are there any downsides to the laptop lifestyle?While the laptop lifestyle offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential challenges. It requires self-discipline, as the flexibility can sometimes lead to distractions. Maintaining work-life balance can be tricky when your office is wherever you choose to be. Additionally, staying motivated and connected to a community of like-minded individuals becomes important to avoid feelings of isolation. However, with proper planning and mindset, these challenges can be effectively managed.
Remember, the laptop lifestyle and running a lifestyle business are all about creating a life that aligns with your dreams and aspirations. So, embrace the freedom, enjoy the journey, and let your laptop be the tool that empowers you to live life on your own terms!
