088. PERMISSION TO BE OBSESSED: WHY CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS SHOULD BUILD DIFFERENTLY

"I love thinking about my work all the time. It doesn't feel like an imposition, it feels like the privilege of doing something I'm obsessed with." When a friend said this during dinner recently, it struck a chord... This powerful episode explores why creative entrepreneurs often unconsciously limit their potential by trying to fit into industry norms or downplaying their ambition. We're constantly receiving subtle messages to "stay in our lane" or "be realistic", that our dedication to our creative businesses is somehow unhealthy. Instead, I'm inviting you to embrace your healthy obsession as a vital strength and a pathway to sustainable success. Discover why giving yourself permission to be fully absorbed in your work, to think about it constantly, and to build your business around your natural strengths is the key to standout growth in today's competitive creative market. With real stories and actionable insights on how to break free from limiting beliefs, avoid burnout by aligning your hard work with what energises you, and how to recognise your professional value to create a business that truly reflects your authentic expertise. If you've ever felt guilty for being "too obsessed" or worried your ambition is too big, this episode is your 'permission slip' to dream magnificently, work passionately, and build differently, creating a standout creative business that's unapologetically yours and delivers the business growth you desire.   Key Moments: [00:00] Introduction - The subtle ways we're taught to limit ourselves in business [02:01] The dinner conversation that revealed how passion for work is often misunderstood [04:51] Why it's okay to be obsessed with your business in a healthy, energising way [07:42] Moving beyond standard industry practices - The photographer who transformed her business [10:56] The distinction between depleting hard work and energising hard work [13:14] Why there's no universal "best" business model for creative entrepreneurs [14:56] Building from natural strengths - Creating more value with less struggle [16:46] My personal journey of restructuring my flower design business around my unique strengths [20:18] Announcement of the upcoming Handbook on building exceptional creative businesses Join the Waitlist [22:50] Final thoughts on embracing our natural strengths to create businesses that energise rather than exhaust.   Notable Quotes: "What comes naturally to you is often exactly what makes you exceptional. Your distinctive way of approaching projects, of solving problems, of creating experiences—that's not just a personal preference. It's a huge business advantage."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Handbook: Join The Waitlist  Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: [email protected] Share Your Insights: What aspect of your business feels most natural to you? Where do you excel without even trying very hard? I'd love to hear how your business might change if you centered more of your work around this natural strength. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram, where I always make time to read and respond to your messages, however old this episode may be when you listen.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights into creating a business built around your natural strengths. You'll be the first to receive exclusive resources and learn about new offerings before they're publicly available.