Mary is a typical small business owner, she keeps herself busy doing the 'hands on' work. In her case it is doing beauty treatments and she told me she keeps doing this because she really enjoys it.

Her clients constantly tell her how great she is, which makes her feel appreciated. However it can also trap her into staying 'on the tools'. Mary has 5 people on her team, but she still struggles with letting them handle her clients. Only problem is Mary stays up late most nights working on her business doing the basic administration and 'trying' to squeeze some time in for marketing. There's barely any time for her to spend with her husband.

The reality is her self-esteem is constantly being boosted through her clients. At home she doesn't receive the accolades and compliments. She's avoiding the problems she has in her marriage, that's why she's kept herself busy.

So next time you say you want more time for your personal life, take a close look at why you are so busy. If something is really that important to you, you will make the time.

Lorraine Pirihi is the founder of productivityqueen.com and creator of “The Productivity and Profit System” the complete one-on-one training program for solopreneurs and small businesses.

Lorraine is also the celebrated author of “The Productivity and Profit Home Study System” which helps you to easily organize your time, your marketing, your people and your systems so you are much more profitable and have time to enjoy life. This is available at www.productivityqueen.com Online Store.

Lorraine is a productivity expert, leading business coach, author and speaker. She’s known for her practical approach, combining a unique blend of innovative, straight-shooter, no-fluff strategies that really work. Being in her own business for over a decade she is committed to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs work less, earn more and have a life!

She is a well known and respected expert on showing small business owners how to free up their time, organise their systems and their marketing so they make more money and enjoy more time off.