Marie stood in line at her local organic market, the scent of ripe pineapples filling the air. When it was her turn, she picked the juiciest one and handed her money to Alicia, the owner behind the counter. Simple transaction, right?
Not quite.
At first glance one might think that Alicia sold Marie that pineapple. But in truth, her business did. That distinction between you and your business might seem small, but it’s everything in creating a strong financial foundation.
Like many entrepreneurs, I once believed I was the business. Every sale felt personal, and every outcome was tied to my identity. But learning to separate myself from my business changed everything from how I set fees to how I made decisions.
This shift in perspective isn’t just mental—it’s foundational to sustainable growth.
We all have those moments, right? When our work becomes so intertwined with who we are, it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. But today, I want to share why understanding the distinction between you and your business isn’t just abstract.
It’s a game-changer—for your growth, your success, and your sanity. It’s about recognizing that your business is a separate entity, with its own needs, its own potential, and its own path to success.
But back to the pineapples. Who was really selling them? Was it just me? Or was it the fundraiser, the school, the idea of raising money for a cause? It wasn’t just about me. It was about something bigger.
And that’s the first clue: your business isn’t just you. It’s a separate entity with its own drivers and purpose. It’s a system, a machine—even a living thing—that can thrive beyond your individual presence.
Now, consider the language you use when talking about your business. How often do you say, “I make money” instead of “the business generates revenue”? We usually say, “I’m responsible for all the sales” rather than “the business has a sales team.”
These subtle shifts point to a deeper truth. We’re blurring the lines, making our businesses an extension of our own identities. This mindset limits potential and keeps us from building truly scalable operations.
When we tie our personal identity too closely to our business, a few things happen:
- We lose objectivity. Criticism of the business feels like a personal attack.
- We become the bottleneck. Everything flows through us because, in our minds, we are the business. That stifles growth.
- Our well-being suffers. The pressure of being “the business” leads to burnout and blurs the line between work and life.
The shift comes when we consciously start to see our business as a separate entity. It has its own goals, its own processes, its own team. Our role as founder or leader becomes about nurturing and guiding that entity—not being it.
So how do you make that shift?
Here are a few practical steps:
- Change Your Language: Be mindful of how you talk about your business. Start using “the business” or team names instead of “I” when referring to operations and wins.
- Define Your Business’s Purpose: Clarify the deeper reason your business exists beyond just making money. That helps it stand on its own.
- Build Systems and Processes: Document how things get done so the business doesn’t rely solely on your knowledge and effort.
- Empower Your Team: Delegate. Trust others to take ownership. This allows the business to function independently.
- Set Boundaries: Create separation between your personal life and the business. It protects your well-being and helps you lead with a clearer, more focused mind.
The benefits of these shifts are huge. You’ll make better decisions, unlock scalability, reduce stress, and build a business that can thrive—even if you take a vacation (and maybe sell a few pineapples without your self-worth riding on it).
It’s time to untangle yourself from your business. Recognize it for the separate, dynamic entity it is. Start with your language. Build your systems. Empower your team.
The freedom and growth you’ll experience will be more satisfying than any single pineapple sale.
If you’re ready to untangle yourself from your business, let’s start the conversation. Book a complimentary call with me through this link.
THE PATH TO LEADERSHIP AWAITS. ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
At Leaders Team, we blend our disruptive expertise and mentoring to transform challenges into victories, paving the way for groundbreaking success. Our history of reinventing businesses across North America and Europe, including partnerships with organizations like Canada Brokerlink, Whirlpool, U.S. Air Force, and Hallmark Luxury Care Homes showcases our commitment to meeting and exceeding expectations.
Dive into a world where limitations are dismantled, and breakthrough results await. Whether you’re seeking to reshape your company’s culture, empower your team, or achieve unprecedented business outcomes, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Connect with us for a journey of transformation and empowerment. Reach out at general@leadersteam.com or schedule your complimentary consultation here. Together, let’s create a lasting impact and steer your organization towards a future filled with success and fulfillment. Visit our website to learn more about our services.
