In the latest episode of the Back to Better Book Club, I had the privilege of sitting down with Todd Musig, co-author of the insightful book Juggling Elephants. We dove into the challenges of balancing work, family, and self-care, and how vital personal growth is for business owners. As someone who juggles multiple roles myself—running a business, raising a family, and hosting this podcast—I found Todd’s approach deeply resonant. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation that I believe can benefit anyone looking to improve both their personal and professional lives.

You Can't Grow as a Business Owner if You're Not Growing as a Person

One of the most powerful insights Todd shared is that personal growth is foundational to professional success. We often pour everything we have into our businesses, leaving little time for self-reflection or development. But Todd stressed that your business will only grow to the extent that you do. If you want to thrive in your work, you need to invest in yourself—whether through reading, learning new skills, or simply taking time to reflect on your personal goals.

Self-Publishing as a Viable Route

Todd’s journey into publishing Juggling Elephants offers inspiration for anyone considering writing a book or sharing their expertise. He spoke about the process of co-authoring and self-publishing, highlighting the creative control it gives authors. Self-publishing allows you to reach your audience directly without the limitations imposed by traditional publishing. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an expert in your field, it’s a great reminder that there are alternative ways to share your knowledge and make an impact.

The Metaphor of Juggling Elephants

The central metaphor of Juggling Elephants is all about balance—or more accurately, the struggle to maintain it. Todd’s analogy suggests that life is like a circus with different rings representing work, family, and personal life. Instead of trying to balance all the acts at once, it’s more about being intentional and fully present in whichever ring you are in at that moment. You can't juggle everything perfectly, but you can manage the quality of each act.

Intentionality and Saying No

Todd and I discussed the importance of intentionality in managing life’s various responsibilities. One of the most liberating things he shared was the idea that saying "no" is just as important as saying "yes." Often, business owners feel the pressure to accept every opportunity that comes their way. But, as Todd explained, saying no to less important things helps us stay focused on what truly matters, both in our work and personal lives.

Celebrating Wins and Taking Care of Yourself

Another theme that emerged during our conversation was the importance of celebrating small wins. It’s easy to move from one task to the next without taking time to acknowledge progress. But recognizing these victories, no matter how small, contributes to long-term motivation. Additionally, Todd emphasized the need for self-care. For business owners, especially those managing families, finding time to recharge is critical. Regular family meetings, daily planning, and prioritizing self-care are simple but effective strategies to maintain balance and prevent burnout.

Looking Forward

As we wrapped up our discussion, Todd hinted at some exciting future projects that continue his exploration of personal and professional growth. His work, like so many of the books we feature in the Back to Better Book Club, reminds us that the journey toward bettering ourselves is ongoing.

Whether you're a business owner, parent, or juggling both, I encourage you to take some of these lessons to heart. Growth, both personal and professional, is the key to a more fulfilled life.