Lightbulb moment - ‘Free’ doesn’t work!

The universe has been trying to tell me something for a long time, and I’ve just not been listening…

It’s only Tuesday, and I’ve had a turbulent week already 🥴

For years, people have been telling me to stop giving things away for free. That it devalues my services and sends a message to the universe that I don’t value money. That people won’t take me seriously. That people will mess me around.

I’ve been stubbornly ignoring that advice in the pursuit of being a ‘good citizen’. In the belief that everybody should have access to wellbeing services. In the hopes of building a community focused business. With the knowing that putting good karma out will bring good karma back.

I’ve been having good conversations with good people, trying to figure out a way forward for my business. But first, I’ve had to (painfully) identify what’s wrong with my business. And why, after 7 years, I’m still not earning enough to sustain a living wage.

🤔 Is it because I’m too expensive?

🤔 Is it because there’s too much competition?

🤔 Is it because of the current economy?

🤔 Is it because I don’t offer enough?

🤔 Is it because I can’t compete with gyms?

🤔 Is it because of my overheads?

🤔 Is it because the algorithms are hiding my marketing?

🤔 Is it because there just isn’t a market for what I do in Fareham?

🤔 Has yoga ‘had its day’?

🤔 Or do people just not like me?

It could be any of these reasons, or a million more different reasons. And I feel so lost in trying to figure out how to break through it all. I feel like I’ve tried EVERYTHING! And then some.

I’ve done it the traditional way. I’ve done it the corporate way. I’ve done it the ‘woo woo’ way. I’ve been on marketing courses. I’ve used my community. I’ve engaged my team. I’ve hired people and services. I’ve paid extortionate amounts in advertising. I’ve tried sponsored ads. I’ve tried leafleting. I’ve tried posters. I’ve tried networking. I’ve tried corporate events. I’ve tried community events. I’ve tried the GP practices. I’ve tried energy work. I’ve tried it all.

And I’ve been asking myself a lot lately…

At what point to I admit defeat and give up?

Yesterday, a wise person rightly said to me “Do you really want to run your own business?”

And it hit me like a bolt of lightning ⚡️

It took me back to the time that a counsellor suggested I put my kids back into foster care.

And it instantly plummeted me into a messed up headspace. It brought up feelings of failure, worthlessness, deep disappointment in myself and just plain anger. I had to take a moment. I had to stop everything and throw myself into a spiritual state to explore and process these feelings.

And it’s given me a few (much needed) lightbulb moments…

💡 I’m currently marketing myself to people can’t afford my regular services. And wondering why I’m not making enough money.

💡The people who I’m offering my free services to are likely earning more money than me anyway. Yet I still feel the need to give them things for free.

💡If I don’t make money, there won’t be a business. And I won’t be able to help anyone. There will be no community hub. The LV Life Wellbeing Centre Fareham won’t exist anymore. Everybody loses.

💡 And yes, people have messed me around. A lot. And that really affects my energetic vibration.

So something has to change.

From September onwards, there will no longer be any free/by donation services. I will insist on a minimum donation instead. So people can still pay as they feel, but emphasis on the word ‘pay’.

I may waive this for the Fareham Conscious Living Group though. Haven’t fully decided on that one yet.

I then need to reevaluate my marketing plan. I have to start attracting people in who understand the value of and are willing to invest in their own wellbeing.

After all, people don’t seem to bat an eyelid when it comes to spending money on alcohol, cigarettes, getting their nails and eyelashes done, getting a take away, having a tattoo, grabbing a coffee and cake from Starbucks…

I just need to get wellbeing on that list of things that are socially acceptable to spend money on!

If you have any ideas of how I can do this, I’m all ears!

For now, I’m off bowling with the kids and am just going to try and be present for that. Enjoying the moment. Letting my realisations settle and awaiting a clear path to reveal itself.

Try to enjoy whatever moments you can today, too.

Much love 💛🙏🏻