The Super Bowl last week was an utter domination…

But imagine if, during the last quarter of the game, Andy Reid decided to suit up and take the quarterback’s place.

That would be insane.

And that’s basically what you’re doing when you micro-manage every little part of your business…
Let’s get into why you shouldn’t love your business.

BREAK UP WITH YOUR BUSINESS 

In business, as in football, there’s a fine line between passion and practicality.

While loving what you do is valuable, transforming passion profits requires more than just enthusiasm.

It demands strategy, adaptability, and sometimes, the willingness to step back and be the coach.

I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs, myself included, get so wrapped up in their passion that they overlook the strategic plays needed to win the game.

Passion can fuel your drive, but without a clear, practical strategy, it will lead you to a dead end.

You’ve gotta break up with your business…

So you can balance your love for what you do with smart, tactical decisions.

LESSONS FROM HEARTBREAK

Heartbreaks in business can be profound.

They stem from our deep love for what we’ve built, the visions we’ve nurtured, and the personal sacrifices we’ve made.

But here’s a thought that might seem counterintuitive at first—not loving your business might just be the best thing for it.

In the early days of hustling to make your mark, playing the quarterback makes sense.

You’re in every play, calling the shots, and carrying the game on your shoulders. It’s exhilarating…

…But it’s also a trap.

The more you love being in the game, the harder it is to step back, strategize, and let others take the lead.

The greatest coaches weren’t the star quarterbacks. They’re the ones who saw the game from the sidelines, understood each player’s strengths, and orchestrated wins through strategy, not just skill.

Turning your passion into profits is the dream…

Yet, when you’re too close to your passions, it’s hard to make rational decisions.

You might end up like the quarterback who refuses to leave the field, even when it’s clear that stepping back would serve the team better…

Instead, you want to run a business where your love for the game doesn’t cloud your judgment. 

Focus on systems, processes, and outcomes—elements that ensure your business thrives, independent of your personal investment in the daily operations.

Game plan for the aspiring coach:

• Delegate: Identify areas of your business where you’re holding on too tightly. Start small, delegating tasks that others can do 80% as well as you. It’s the first step in trusting your team.
• Invest in Systems: Systems and processes are the playbook of your business. They ensure consistency, quality, and scalability. They also allow you to take a step back without losing control.
• Empower Your Team: Great coaches empower great players. Invest in training, foster leadership within your team, and encourage ownership of tasks and projects. (Scroll down to the Golden Nugget section for more tangible tools for this )
• Strategic Outsourcing: I have real estate investments managed by people I’ve never met, and it’s honestly the most profitable, margin-filled business I own. Identify parts of your business that can be managed externally, freeing you to focus on growth and strategy.
• Regular Review Sessions: Just like teams review game tapes, regularly assess your business performance. Put it on your calendar. What’s working? What isn’t? Adjust your game plan accordingly.

You have to realize that your business can—and should—grow beyond your personal passions.

It’s not about falling out of love with your business… it’s about loving it enough to want it to succeed beyond your personal capabilities.  

FOCUS ON THE LONG TERM

This approach to business—seeing beyond the immediate gratification of being deeply involved in every aspect…

…And moving towards a more sustainable, growth-oriented strategy—is essential when it comes to making margin in our lives.

You’re not removing passion from the equation.

You’re just channeling that passion in a way that serves the larger vision of what your business can become.