Every entrepreneur with a thriving business eventually discovers there’s always more on the to-do list than any human can get done. That makes it really tough to achieve a decent balance between business and your personal life.
But if you want to be both successful and happy as a small business owner, you have to find a way to achieve a bit of that ever so elusive balance. Otherwise you’re going to end up burnt-out and exhausted. Worst case you’ll end up closing your business down.
To make it easier for you to balance your business and your personal life, I’m sharing tips from more than 100 experts on productivity, time management, business/life balance, mindset and more in a series of blog posts. Below are a few more powerful ones. Enjoy!
Get a calendar system that works – then use it!
“It's important to find a calendar/scheduling system that's going to fit your lifestyle and your needs. But more importantly is using that system to create better balance when it comes to your business and your life. Are you living to work? Or would you rather be working to live? Prioritize the things that go on your calendar. Does your son have a baseball game? Plug it in. Are you taking a family trip? Plug it in. Now, take some time to realistically plug in when you will work on your business, and when you will work in your business. It's easy to overcommit, so on top of everything else make sure you plug in time to take care of YOU! Whether it's exercise, haircut, or just sitting down to catch up on some reading.”
Michelle Poteet – The Productivity Boost http://www.theproductivityboost.com/
TTOAT: Technology turn off at ten!
“We practice this as our home on every level during the week…laptops, computers and phones, all off! 95% of the time the tv is too, but sometimes we go a wee bit past the 10pm deadline on the TV, only if something super amazing is on!”
Morgan Cullen, Creator/Editor – Casa Cullen http://www.casacullen.com/
Five steps for using values to create a healthy work/life balance:
1. Identify your core values (i.e., truth, adventure, beauty, wisdom, bliss).
2. Look at each activity you are doing (marketing, boards, volunteer, etc.) to make sure each reflects your core values and are not things you think you should be doing.
3. Discard those activities that are not in alignment with your values.
4. Purposefully select activities that DO support your values. You will find like-minded people there!
5. When asked to take on a task, project or role in the future, evaluate the request against your values before saying yes.”
Kirsten Meneghello, J.D., Life Coach – Illumination Coaching, LLC http://www.illuminationcoachpdx.com/
Set clear goals for the upcoming week each Sunday.
“Every Sunday night I make an outline for the upcoming week, listing the goals I’d like to achieve each day, Monday through Sunday. I tend to make these goals ambitious but also realistic. This way, when you achieve each of the days objectives, you will have peace of mind, knowing that you’ve done everything needed to keep your business strong, and by organizing and structuring your business needs on a daily/weekly basis, you will have more time to balance and include the activities of your personal life.”
Michael Grandinetti – Michael Grandinetti Magic http://www.michaelgrandinetti.com/
Declare a 24-hour "no electronic screens" period one day a week.
“No iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry or laptop for 24 hours. Use the time to truly be in the moment with those near you, whether its your family, your barista, an old friend or a stranger. Powering off for a day is a challenge, but it keeps me grounded.”
Scott Hepburn – Media Emerging http://mediaemerging.com/
What do you think about these tips? Got more to add? Please do share by leaving a comment below…
Frequent weekends away are also important. Make them as secluded as possible with plenty of activities to keep you present and enjoying your family or friends.
I totally agree WealthSavant! I used to work weekends regularly, but eventually it impacted my ability to do good work during the week. Now I rarely work weekends and I’m much more motivated and productive the rest of the time.
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