DESCRIPTION Running a dog business can sometimes feel like you’re giving everything; your time, your energy, your weekends and still wondering when life’s meant to happen and it's all just suddenly going to feel like you've made it and got it right. In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Mask, firstly, an incredible human being, he's a coach, mentor, and someone who’s become a hugely important person in our lives.  Together we discuss how easy it is to get trapped in overworking, people-pleasing, and trying to control everything and how those habits quietly cost us as business owners the very life we’re working so hard for. We talk about what it really takes to build a business that gives you more freedom, not less, and how to protect your time, your relationships, and your sanity while you grow. KEY TAKEAWAYS Remember – You are building a business for freedom – not for burnout. Chasing “work-life balance” is a losing game, it´s unattainable, but achieving harmony between your home and work life is realistic.  Overworking and people-pleasing might feel necessary, but they’re not. Both of those habits are quietly robbing you of the life you’re working so hard to build. Knowing your “why” fuels you to set boundaries, say no, and stop scratting for scraps. Freedom in business isn’t handed to you; it’s earned by making tough choices about what you’ll do (and what you won’t). Religiously time block and protect space for your most important people, not just your to-do list. It’s not about the hours you work, but where you put your focus.  Use the 80/20 rule to focus on what moves your business forward. Then, let go of the rest. Plan “bookends” around big work commitments, dedicating quality time before and after with loved ones to show they come first. True harmony happens when your family knows the “music” you’re playing, not just the hours you’re working. Open, honest conversations, especially at home, are non-negotiable. Your loved ones can’t support you if they’re kept in the dark BEST MOMENTS “Busyness and productiveness are not synonymous, but often our brains and our egos don't know the difference.” "Almost always, what holds us back from actually doing what we say we'll do, as far as balancing a great business and home life, is fear." “Love is spelled T, I, M, E …  It's really hard for people, especially kids, to feel that they're loved when you're not there. "Which wolf are you feeding right now ?... The one that's dark and negative and critical, or the one that's light and love and gratitude and abundance?... The wolf that is fed will win." ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.jeffmask.com SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity/ Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS We’re Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies. Force-free dog trainers, business strategists and co-founders of Canine Business Academy. Collectively, we’ve been dog training for nearly three decades, built a six-figure dog training business, and grown CBA into a multi–six-figure global brand, all while raising kids, a university degree and life life'ing. Featured on BBC, FOX and NBC, and authors of Let’s Talk Dog Business Strategy. Giving a shit is the strategy. Getting shit done is the method. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/