Can you really build your business around your life? I believe you can. Do you believe that? You hear that all the time but is it really a reality? It depends, of course, on many things.

Do you work for someone else? If you do, and most of all do at some point, usually in the beginning of our working life, then your flexibility may be less than desirable. You probably start out getting two weeks' vacation and the longer you are there, they may add on more time. They may also have restrictions on 'when' you are allowed to take off, so it may not be in your control.

On the other hand, if you are self-employed, if you are an entrepreneur, then you can make your own decisions on how much time you can take off and when. But it's not all about vacation either is it? It's about your daily schedule. Do you want to take a yoga class in the morning or a tennis lesson? Do you want to take your lunch time and go for a walk? Or leave 'work' early to meet a friend.

You get to make that decision which feels really wonderful. In the beginning you will probably be working really hard, maybe really long hours, but this is your choice. You get to choose how much you work each day and week.

I know women who work well over 40 or 50 hours a week. I also know women who work 20 hours a week. This is all by choice. And even if you are working 40 or 50 hours a week you get to choose when you work. Maybe you are a morning person and are at your desk very early. Or may you are a night owl and working later in the evening is what works best for you.

Are you seeing a theme here? It's all about choice. Where you work, when you work, how you work. When you take vacation, how long you take your vacation for.

Owning your own business, whether it's brick and mortar or a virtual on-line business, is not for the faint of heart. It's a lot of hard work if you want to be successful. It takes a certain person to be an entrepreneur. It's a risk, it takes determination and grit.

It also takes support and a willingness to be open to the possibilities. You must be a life-long learner and be willing to learn from your mistakes.

Probably one of the biggest things and maybe the hardest is that you cannot be a quitter.

I can promise you there will be times when you want to throw in the towel and just chuck it all and go get a job/job. Just know that this is part of the process. Expect this to happen and just move through it as quickly as you can. Always have a coach to help you through these times and get your through to the other side.

In spite of all this, if you are not a quitter and you grow that business of yours, look at the joys. It's all about freedom. Work as much or as little as you want. Take a vacation when you want. Freedom is the key.