Many of us started our careers as apprentices in the trades—some of us left school early, wanting a more hands-on approach to life. After years of hard work, we earned our qualifications. But somewhere along the way, we thought, “I can do this better than my boss.” We set off on our own, excited to take control of our future.
But here’s the kicker: After 10 years of hard work, 50-60 hour weeks, and constant hustle, many of usstruggleg to even be the business owners we thought we’d be. How did we get here? And who was right—the boss who gave us the apprenticeship, or the young version of us who wanted to go it alone?
The Full Circle
Now, many of us are working harder than ever, yet still feeling like we’re not making the progress we envisioned. But here’s the full circle—what we do after 5:00 PM is what truly counts. It’s those late hours when no one is looking, when you’re at home or away from the job site, that will make or break your success.
So, let me ask you: What are you doing with your time after work? It’s during these hours that personal growth and business development happen.
Invest in Yourself
In the chat below, let’s talk about something. What’s the most recent book you’ve read? What’s the one takeaway you’ve gained from it that has shaped your mindset or approach to your business? We often talk about personal development, and it’s easy to dismiss reading as just another thing to fit into an already packed schedule. But it’s in these quiet moments, outside of the usual 50-hour workweek, that we have the chance to learn and grow.
The Importance of Self-Development
The truth is, we’re all busy—business owners often juggle so many tasks that they forget the importance of investing in themselves. But if you want to take your business to the next level, there’s no shortcut. Whether it’s listening to an audiobook like Atomic Habits on your commute or dedicating an hour before bed to reading, these small changes can lead to massive results.
So, what’s the most recent book you’ve read? Was it a leadership mindset book, a habit-building guide, or something that challenged your way of thinking? Let’s be clear: Success comes from what you do outside of the daily grind.
The Bottom Line
It’s not enough to just “try” to improve your business. Real success comes from doing the work consistently, especially in the hours that others might let slip away. What you do after 5:00 PM matters, whether it’s reading, learning, or implementing new habits. The choice is yours—dream about the life you want, or take action to create it. Your future is built on the decisions you make now.
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