How do you know if your business is the right one for you? Science has answers.
Being a Xolopreneur is not just about running a business. It’s about creating a lifestyle that fits your needs and desires. This might mean having the freedom to create your own schedule, to work from anywhere in the world, to choose projects that align with your interests and values – or all of the above.
Remember, you always have the freedom to choose what to do with your time. While this can feel great on good days, sometimes this freedom comes with its own set of challenges. You may begin to wonder, “Is this really what I’m happiest doing?” When engaging in such self-reflection, it’s crucial to understand what drives you and what drains you.
Here are three signals to pay attention to that can help you determine whether you have found the right professional path.
#1. You make time for your hobbies
Enjoying your work means that you have the freedom to pursue your passions both inside and outside of your business. When you're passionate about your work, you're more likely to find inspiration and creativity in all aspects of life. By engaging in hobbies and other activities, you can develop a healthy work-life balance that promotes mental, physical, and emotional well-being. This balance helps you avoid burnout, keep your motivation, and fosters a long-term perspective on your business.
If your business doesn't prevent you from pursuing your hobbies, it is most likely one that can be sustainable and fulfilling in the long run.
Research published in the academic journal Personality and Individual Differences divides career passion into two types: harmonious passion and obsessive passion. Harmonious passion requires that one pursues an activity with a sense of balance and flexibility, while obsessive passion suggests an overwhelming urge to engage in an activity and to become wholly preoccupied with it. It's always better to be harmoniously passionate about your business than obsessively passionate about it.
#2. You frequently enter a state of flow
When you are truly enjoying your work, you may enter a state of flow. This means that you are completely absorbed in your work and lose track of time. You feel fully engaged and motivated, and you may even forget about the outside world.
According to research, the state of flow can be a sign of true job satisfaction and indicates that you are challenged in a way that is both enjoyable and fulfilling. This can be especially true for Xolopreneurs who juggle various responsibilities while developing and growing their business.
The ability to enter the state of flow not only helps you work more effectively, but it also makes the most of your limited time and resources. Moreover, it can bring about a sense of pride and fulfillment, as you feel more in control of your work and are able to achieve your goals with greater ease and vision.
#3. You find your business to be exciting
As a Xolopreneur, your business is a reflection of your values and interests. When you're truly excited about your work, it's easier to stay motivated and engaged with your clients and customers.
You'll find that you're eager to take on new challenges, connect with like-minded individuals, and push the boundaries of what you thought was possible. You may even find that you're able to wake up each day with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to tackle the tasks at hand and make a meaningful impact on the world around you. This level of enthusiasm and passion can help keep you inspired and energized, even during the toughest of times.
Additionally, when you find your business exciting, it becomes easier to network and build relationships with other people in your industry, as your enthusiasm is likely to be contagious.
Final thoughts
No business or career is perfect. We all have bad days and bad weeks. However, if you find yourself making time for your hobbies, feeling enthusiastic about your work, and frequently entering flow states during your workday, it's likely that you've found a good spot for yourself. Remember to strive for a healthy balance between work and play and avoid being obsessively passionate about your career. And, don't ever be afraid to make a change if you feel the time is right.
About Mark
Mark Travers, Ph.D., is an American Psychologist with degrees from Cornell University and the University of Colorado Boulder. Xolo helps him run his online therapy practice, www.awake-therapy.me, from whatever part of the world he is currently living in.