Stop Being Your Busiest Employee: How to Work On Your Business, Not Just In It
Many small business owners start out wearing every hat in their business — from marketing and admin to customer service and payroll. While this is often necessary in the beginning, staying in that mode for too long can stop your businesses growth in its tracks.
If you want to scale your business, reduce burnout, and achieve real freedom, the key is learning how to step out of the day-to-day and focus on strategic growth. Here’s how to make that shift.
1. Make a 'Not-To-Do' List
We often talk about to-do lists, but what about the tasks you shouldn’t be doing?
A not-to-do list helps you identify:
Tasks that can be delegated (e.g. payroll, admin, graphic design)
Tasks that can be automated (e.g. email responses, social media scheduling)
Tasks that add little value and can be removed entirely
Start by tracking everything you do in a week. Then ask: Does this task need ME to do it?
If not — delegate, automate, or eliminate.
2. Prioritise High-Impact Work
Busy doesn’t always mean productive. Working on low-impact tasks all day might feel satisfying, but it rarely moves the business forward.
Focus your energy on the work that creates:
Revenue
Opportunities
Long-term stability
Use the “Big 3” rule:
Choose three high-priority tasks each day that contribute to your long-term goals. Complete them before jumping into emails or admin work.
3. Use Tools That Save Time
You don’t need a big team to work efficiently — but you do need the right tools. Apps like:
Microsoft To Do or Google Tasks for tracking daily work
AI tools for creating content frameworks or simplifying repetitive tasks
Project management software like Monday.com or Karbon for visibility across your team
These tools don’t replace you — they support you in doing more with less.
4. Let Go of Control and Trust Your Team
Micromanaging slows everything down — especially you. Trust is built through clear systems and expectations.
Instead of telling your team to “handle it,” define:
What success looks like
How soon they need to follow up
What to do if they need help
Good training + clear processes = freedom for you and confidence for them.
If you want to check if you’re a micromanager, read our Blog Post: “You’re probably a Micromanager, Here’s How You Can Fix It”
5. Create Space to Think and Lead
The most successful business owners think, plan, and lead. They don’t just complete tasks — they build a vision.
Freeing up your time helps:
Reduce decision fatigue
Improve creativity and problem-solving
Strengthen team independence
Prevent burnout
Even if freeing up time takes more effort in the short term (like training a new hire), the long-term benefits are worth it.
Final Thoughts
You have the same 24 hours as every other business owner. The question is: Are you spending those hours where they matter most?
It’s time to stop doing everything and start doing what only you can do.
Your business — and your sanity — will thank you.
If you are interested in listening to the whole conversation, listen to the team on The Business Abundance Podcast here…
