Sometimes I hate being a perfectionist. This drive within me to do the best, create the best, and be the best is invigorating, motivating, and draining. It's why I started Amanda Joy Photography at 17 years old. It's why I love my job. But it also drives me nuts.

That's the reality though, isn't it? Don't most small business owners have love-hate relationships with their businesses? We love the place to try new things, to step out and take chances, to flourish when nobody thought we could. But we hate it too. The long hours, the never ending work. The constant desire to be original. Engaging. Relevant. Different.

Don't get me wrong... I absolutely LOVE my job! I wouldn't want to do anything else. The ups and downs of running a business are so incredible and intriguing; I love it! Every minute of it. (Ok.... so maybe.... just every day of it.) But sometimes I get so caught up in my business that I forget what it's there for.

I'm rereading this book called "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber.  I first read it over a year ago, and really felt like it was time to read it again. The book has so much insight into small businesses that it's impossible to summarize in one paragraph! But last night as I was reading it... this sentence caught my eye, "Your business is not your life."

Bam.

Gone is the need to be perfect. Gone is the need to have the latest and greatest technology, the most creative photos, the most witty Facebook posts, the best looking blog, the more beautiful packaging and the most adorable husband(Ok, but I DO have the most adorable husband. Get over it). And just like that, I can breathe again. I can live. I can make mistakes. Because my business is not my identity.  Because my business is not my life.

The purpose of my life is not to serve my business... the purpose of my business is to serve my life. To give me freedom. Stability. A place to work, grow, experiment and learn valuable life lessons (like always remember to pay sales tax on time and don't forget to set your camera on RAW before you start shooting that wedding).

And that... is why I love my job.

I'm in love with lists. I make a list everyday - it's usually one of the first things I do in the morning. I remind myself to work out, to read my Bible, to eat lunch, and even to write someone an email. I'm useless without my lists.

I'm convinced that I work better and harder with a list. Now, you might not... and that's totally fine, but being able to track my productivity during the day is SO nice. And oh! How good it feels to scratch something off a list (take THAT, to-do-item-that's-been-hanging-over-my-head-for-weeks). :) For the past few years I've been using the good 'ol paper and pen.... but sometimes when I'm on the go it's hard to remember what I was supposed to get done.

Introducing my new BEST FRIEND! Teux Deux.

First of all... how cool is that name? Teux Deux? In the words of my beloved husband - rockin' awesome! Opening that browser/app every day makes me so feel so much more sophisticated.... And I like feeling sophisticated.

Secondly, one of the really cool parts about Teux Deux is instead of just having a daily check list, it even has a "Someday" section at the bottom! This is a place that I keep my goals and the things I hope to get done when I have time... and it's SO useful!! Having my goals/someday items in front of me at all times keeps them fresh in my mind. (Sometimes my goals go out of sight... out of mind... can you relate?)

Thirdly, it has an app. Now, I'm not an iPhone user, but there's an app called "TodoToday for TeuxDeux" for android that I downloaded that automatically syncs with my online lists! Yay for syncing!!

So whether you're a check list person, or just want to feel more sophisticated in the morning when you wake up (we all need a little help with that in the morning...), check out Teux Deux. It just might help you get more done! :)

TeuxDeux Part Deux from TeuxDeux on Vimeo.