Let’s face it: Americans lead busy lives. Consider all the positions and duties you hold. I am aware of my many. I could go on and on about my roles as a spouse, father, friend, business owner, coach, teacher, community volunteer, and athlete.

The idea that “we wear so many hats” is untrue. The notion that the many activities and roles we carry out are equivalent to “wearing hats” is incorrect and harmful. Making us feel as though we must take off one hat and then put on another in order to switch between our obligations might render someone absolutely helpless with a sense of unrelenting bustle.

One of the readers of this blog reached out to me after the six week series of The Circle Of Impact. (Check out these links to the last six weeks of blogs if you missed them (links here).) He asked, “Matt, how do you wear so many hats and switch them on and off? How do you do this and do it well?” I answered him with, “I don’t wear hats. I have many roles and responsibilities, but I do not wear hats. I would freak out if I had to change wardrobe so many times in a day.” He looked a little shocked as is he was searching for some Superman type of answer as to how I manage all my time so well.

The only hat an entrepreneur needs to worry about having, wearing and keeping on at all times is the “Defining” hat. This hat allows you to know who you are and what you stand for. This way, when you show up to be a dad, you have your hat on knowing what you stand for. You do not need to change anything, or switch hats. When you define yourself, you wear this 24/7. Get this hat right and guess what, you are an awesome dad. But wait, now your wife needs something from you in the middle of you being with your children. You don’t need to switch to your husband hat. Know who you are and what you stand for, and show up with it as you interact with your wife everyday. Guess what? You will be an awesome husband. Same goes for your business. Show up with you “defined” hat on everyday. Know who you are and what you stand for. In everything you so, wear this hat and you will be phenomenal at what you do.

Too many individuals are juggling multiple hats and striving to transition between them; nevertheless, they never stop to consider who they are, what they stand for, or how to define themselves. They just have trouble juggling all the “stressful hats they wear”.

Remember, you only need one hat. To find it requires some work, and some people do not want to do the work to fins this hat. I guarantee that when you do, you will be phenomenal, enjoy life more, and your business will flourish.