If you are working too much...

If you just can’t let go of doing it all...

If you keep saying the 5 deadly words: 

“I will do it myself”...

Then this email is for you.

Because my name is Craig Ballantyne and I’m a recovering workaholic.

I know these 5 steps that worked for me can help you too:

Step #1 – Public Accountability

When I told the world – via social media – that, “I’m shutting down my phone every night at 6pm PST to be with Michelle”... 

It left me with two choices:

a) Break that pledge and be seen as a lying, hypocritical workaholic

b) Commit to this pledge and be more focused during the day

So... 

I recommend you ask your team, your clients, your family, your coach, etc. for hardcore accountability.

Ask someone to check on you each morning about how your nightly shutdown went... 

Ask them to check on you mid-afternoon and test you by asking… 

“Are you ready to be present at night?”

Step #2 – Identify Your Triggers

Destroy your distractions and toss your temptations.

If checking your phone and email too much cause you to work an extra hour (or three) each day...

Do whatever it takes to cut back on that habit. 

Use app blockers like Opal... 

Or completely delete the tools from your phone after a certain point each day... 

And only re-install them in the morning.

Step #3 – Set Significant Consequences

If you don’t do something...

Then a reward must be removed...

Or a punishment must be in place.

Carrot or the stick…

Whichever motivates you best.

Or use both.

Simple, but effective.

Step #4 – Block Your Non-Negotiable Non-Work Time

Plan your Perfect Week.

Put workouts, family time, self-care, etc. on the calendar.

These are set-in-stone non-negotiable actions.

The “big rocks” as Steven Covey would say.

Put those on the calendar first and build everything else around it.

And if you begin to break these non-negotiable commitments... 

See Step #3.

Step #5 – Change Your Identity

This is the greatest lesson I learned from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits.

Planning, consequences, and accountability only go so far...

It’s only when you change your Core Identity – to where you no longer see yourself as a workaholic whose worth in life is related to the amount you work or money you make – that you will finally be able to step back from being a workaholic.

You must build the type of identity you want to have…

And tie it to the things you value most in life.

Maybe that’s your ability to connect with people, your good judgement, or your reputation for always keeping your word.

Maybe it’s the skills you’ve developed, or just being a great mom or dad.   

This takes work. 

It takes changing your limiting self-beliefs.

But it is worth it.

Success Loves Speed,

Craig

PS - If you’re ready to 2X your income (or more) while working 10 less hours per week...

... Just REPLY to this email with the words “2X 10 LESS” and we'll set up a time to chat with you to find out if we can help.

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