Selfless or Self-Sabotage? The Importance of Striking the Right Balance - Be Relevant

As small business owners in South Africa, we often find ourselves caught in a familiar trap: pouring our energy into others’ success while neglecting our own needs, especially when it comes to our own business.

Take marketing, for example. We spend hours crafting campaigns for clients, creating strategies as unique as a traditional potjie, simmering with creativity and perfectly timed for maximum impact. We make sure every detail is flawless, resulting in satisfied clients and successful outcomes.

But what happens to our own business? Too often, we’re left scraping together our own marketing efforts. Our social media stays silent, our blogs gather dust, and our brand fades into the background while we focus on everyone else’s growth. It’s like preparing a feast for others and then having leftovers for yourself at the end of the day.

There’s a reason for this. We’re givers by nature, much like the ubuntu spirit that runs deep in our culture. We find fulfillment in helping others succeed, knowing that our hard work made a difference. But in our drive to go the extra mile for our clients, we leave little time for ourselves.

Let’s be honest, selflessness is often celebrated in our society. But the truth is, neglecting ourselves comes at a price. We push our own brand’s story to the bottom of the to-do list, telling ourselves that tomorrow will be the day we finally post that update. But “tomorrow” often never comes.

If we don’t invest in ourselves, we risk losing credibility and missing out on opportunities. We advise our clients to maintain consistency and share their stories, yet we don’t apply that same advice to our own ventures. Our businesses deserve the same attention and passion we give to others.

Just like cheering on the Bokke, we need to make time to nurture our own growth. Our brand should be as proudly displayed as a Springbok jersey. When we invest in ourselves, we fuel our own growth and ensure we can continue serving others with the same dedication.

So, let’s commit to putting ourselves first sometimes. Write that blog, post that social media update, and tell your story, proudly. After all, as South Africans, we’re not just here to survive; we’re here to thrive. And your business is worth every bit of the hard work you put in for others. Keep reminding yourself of that, because you deserve it.