Have you heard of the story of the Goose and the Golden Egg by Aesop?
I’ve learned about the story of the Goose and the Golden Egg from the Chill & Prosper book by Denise Duffield-Thomas, and it’s an amazing book, by the way! This story has given me a renewed perspective on my own life and my career as a Funnel Designer.
The Goose and the Golden Egg is a tale about a Countryman who owned a magical Goose that laid a beautiful golden egg every day. The Countryman would collect the egg daily and take it to the market, and eventually, he became very wealthy.
However, as time went on, the Countryman grew impatient with the Goose. He thought he could get all of the golden eggs at once by killing the Goose and cutting it open. But when he did, he found nothing inside and lost his source of income forever.
This story teaches us a powerful lesson about patience, greed, and the consequences of our actions. But beyond that, it can also provide valuable insights into how we can protect our own “Golden Goose” – that is, the things that are most valuable to us.
I’ve always struggled with balancing my work and personal life. I’ve often found myself working long hours, taking on too many projects, and neglecting my own well-being. Like the Countryman in the story, I was too focused on the golden eggs and not the Goose that laid them.
But as I’ve grown and gained more experience as a freelancer (and eventually a business owner), I’ve come to realize the importance of protecting my Golden Goose. For me, this means setting boundaries, taking time off, and being selective about the projects I take on…
So, how can we protect our Golden Goose in these situations? Here are three tips to get you started:
Take imperfect action
Sometimes, we get caught up in perfectionism and end up not taking any action at all. Instead, try taking imperfect action toward your goals. It’s better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing at all.
Know when to quit or pivot
It’s important to know when to cut your losses and move on from a situation that isn’t working out. This could mean quitting a job or project that’s draining you or pivoting your business strategy to better align with your values and goals.
Stop doing it all by yourself
Trying to do everything on your own can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Consider delegating tasks to others or seeking support from friends, family, or community members.
I’m honestly still learning all these as I go as well. Protecting your Golden Goose requires constant effort and attention, and it’s a process that never truly ends. Staying mindful of your priorities, being willing to ask for help when you need it, and being patient with yourself are the keys to having a sustainable and fulfilling career as a freelancer.
So, if you’re just starting out or feeling overwhelmed, remember that it’s okay to take imperfect action, to pivot or quit when necessary, and to seek help when you need it. We’re all on this journey together, and the most important thing is to keep moving forward and protecting what matters most to us.
See you at the top,
Maria
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