By Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

A few days ago, I scheduled a quiet morning to analyze my business as I needed to get some clarity…some balance. I am sure you know the feeling. I needed to re-group and gather myself so I decided to visit the library. Not wanting any interruptions, I unplugged my laptop and switched off my phone. Taking a notebook and pencil, I started doing a SWOT analysis. As I worked through my business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, I made a startling discovery! Imagine my surprise when I suddenly realized, my business has been stealing from me!

In an age where crime is at record highs, we take huge precaution in safeguarding our homes and families with high-tech technology and security systems. Never has it once crossed my mind that a silent and very clever thief was stealing from me right under my nose! Having this epiphany moment was discouraging and enlightening at the same time! I realised I have been neglecting so many areas in my life because my alter ego, my business, Lilly Loompa has been ruling my life.

First and foremost, as much as I love her, she has hi-jacked my time! I have willingly submitted to her demands and find that I spent a staggering 18 hours of my day devoted to building her into a successful business. She is constantly on my mind. I talk about her all the time. I always consider her well-being even when making personal decisions. Shocking as it is, I have become a little obsessed with her.

I find that I am neglecting family life as well as my own well-being. Over weekends I try and sleep in and do “nothing”, but I find myself feeling guilty. Have you ever felt this way? Besides my time, she is stealing my money! My business owes me so much money and resources. It is a classic case of “what’s mine is yours”, and if I refuse, she makes a racket!

I can only imagine how stupid I must have looked as I gaped in amazement at this revelation. I decided to take action…it was time to take my life back.

I drew up a weekly roster.

I wrote down all my business priorities and scheduled them into the 5 working days. These includes sales stints, manufacturing time, design time and business admin. Not forgetting networking and pursuing new markets. I purposefully left the weekends open. This would be time with myself and my family. This time would be spent on family outings, reading and resting (unless I am travelling for business or have an urgent deadline business commitment).

I drew up a daily roster.

I proceeded to jot down my daily activities and needed to be firm about this. Certain activities are crucial to my well-being, as well as that of my business. This included daily admin, selling, social media, and time in the workshop. In my case, I start with business activities by 9h00 and try and wind down by 17h00.

I decided to get up earlier.

This will obviously prove to be difficult, I love being under the covers! This is where my discipline will be tested! Getting up earlier has so many benefits including being more productive. I set my alarm for 5am. While the kids are still sleeping I pray and meditate, as well as plan my day. This automatically means I have to go to bed earlier. I have had to shift certain activities so my whole family can get to bed earlier. The kids go to bed by 20h00 and the house becomes quiet. This leaves time for quick planning for the next day, reading and quality time with my husband.

I made time to exercise.

Making the above changes, has led to some free time to exercise. After I drop the kids at school, I go jogging with a friend. We get to catch up and as she is also a business owner, it becomes an inspiring way to start the day.

Now some of you might argue that 8 hours a day is just not enough time to build a business. I agree, and these life-changing habits will require some adjusting and trial and error. In saying all of this, I must mention, I love my work. I care about my business. I want it to be successful, but if I do not make the above changes, Lilly Loompa is at risk of losing her most devoted and driven employee…ME!

I need to be healthy and balanced in order to give her my best. We are taught that it is good to forgive when you have been wronged. LILLY LOOMPA came clean…she is a kleptomaniac. Except, I gave her permission to take. Now it is up to me how much she takes.

I forgive you LILLY LOOMPA, now let’s get down to some business!

Lizl Naude is the founder of Lilly Loompa in South Africa, a company that creates beautiful and usable furniture pieces made with recycled material. Lilly Loompa's “Rubbish Range” is the result of Lizl's craving to deliver pieces that are completely "green". Lizl is a self taught designer and started designing and making furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. She started to scout and source for budget material and quickly realised that most people discard of very usable materials. This led to her building and designing beautiful furniture items that she used in her home.