The One Trip Trap…

Because I’m running my business from home, I get the luxury of spending a lot of time with my wife. Now, if you ask her, she will tell you that I am an absolute joy to be around. Delightful, even. And honestly, she would not be wrong. I mean, who would not want a guy like me tagging along on their weekly grocery trip?

Somewhere along the way, I started inserting myself into her Friday morning routine. What used to be a peaceful, efficient grocery run has now turned into a full-blown experience. I follow her around like a happy puppy, offering commentary she did not ask for, cracking jokes that may or may not land, and casually tossing extra snacks into the cart while pretending I have no idea how they got there. Every now and then I will look at her and say something like, “You know, we probably need cookies,” even though we both know I absolutely do not need cookies. Again, delightful.

Now, if you have read any of my previous posts, you know I have a bit of a competitive streak. I do not just like to do things. I like to win things. And apparently, in my world, grocery bag carrying is now a competitive sport.

Every time we pull into the driveway, the challenge begins. How many bags can I carry in one trip? In my mind, the answer is always all of them. In reality, it is usually less impressive, especially when you factor in the occasional wildcard like a giant bag of dog food. And yes, we have to include the dog in the headcount of our growing family.

There was one particular day that stands out. I had sixteen bags. Sixteen. Draped over both arms, hanging from my hands, cutting off circulation in ways that probably should have been a warning sign. I was feeling pretty proud of myself as I made my way from the garage into the kitchen. My wife looked at me, calmly, and said, “You know we can make two trips.” And without missing a beat, I said, “Oh, we could. But do we have to?”

By the time I got those bags to the counter, I could feel it. That little pull in my back. Nothing dramatic, but just enough to let me know I might have pushed things a bit too far. Of course, I tried to play it off. Tried to act like everything was perfectly fine. But if you are married, you already know how this ends.

She took one look at me and said, “How’s the back?” And just like that, I knew I was caught.

I had done too much, all in the name of winning a game that did not need to be played. But hey, sixteen full bags in one trip. Beat that.

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

How often do we try to carry all the bags at once in our business? We pile on ideas, tasks, tools, and expectations, convincing ourselves that doing more in less time somehow equals progress. We skip steps, ignore planning, and push forward simply because we want to prove we can handle it. And just like that moment in my kitchen, it might feel impressive at first. Until something starts to pull.

When we take on too much without a clear plan, we risk more than just a little discomfort. We risk burnout, mistakes, and missed opportunities. We stop being intentional and start being reactive. Instead of building something strong and sustainable, we are just trying to survive the load we chose to carry.

Here are five reasons why slowing down, planning ahead, and not overdoing it will serve you far better in your business:

1. Clarity beats chaos every time. When you take your time, you actually understand what you are building and why.
2. Better decisions come from a clear mind. Rushing leads to shortcuts, and shortcuts often lead to problems.
3. Consistency outperforms intensity. A steady approach builds momentum that lasts.
4. You protect your energy. Burnout does not make you productive. It makes you ineffective.
5. You create a stronger foundation. Taking the proper steps ensures your business can grow without breaking.

When you step back and approach your business with intention, everything starts to align. You make smarter choices. You see opportunities more clearly. You build systems that support you instead of overwhelming you. And most importantly, you actually enjoy the process a whole lot more.

Success is not about how much you can carry in one trip. It is about how well you manage the journey from start to finish. Sometimes the smartest move you can make is taking that second trip.

I would love to hear from you. Have you ever found yourself trying to do too much at once in your business? What did you learn from it? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.

If you are looking for a place to learn how to build your online business the right way, with guidance, structure, and support, take a look at the Internet Profits Academy. It is a one stop shop designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

And as for me, my wife would like me to remind you that while I may have gotten all sixteen bags in one trip, I also spent the rest of the day moving a little slower than usual. According to her, that is not exactly a win.

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” – Warren Buffett

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” –  Theodore Roosevelt

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

I do not have too much on my plate. I just brought the whole buffet home.

I opened so many tabs on my computer, I think one of them is from 2007 just waiting for me to catch up.

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

**If you are curious about building and maintaining a healthy online business, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter here and continue following my blog. My hope is not only to create the freedom I have long desired, but also to share what I am learning with others who are working toward the same dream.