We’ve all seen the meme that jokes, “You have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyonce.” While this is technically true, most of us do not have the luxury of having a team to help with our day-to-day life demands. Finding the time to get everything done in 24 hours is a difficult feat for anyone. Add in owning a business and there is a high chance you have days where you feel like you can barely keep your head above water. Even though it may be difficult, finding a work-life balance is crucial for not only a successful business, but also for your overall well-being. Here are some strategies to help you achieve work-life balance as an entrepreneur.
1. Know Your Limits to Avoid Burnout
Everyone has a limit on what they can accomplish. This includes physical and mental limits. Know these limits and let your team and clients know if you are not able to do something. Be honest with yourself and others. Overworking can cause stress and burnout, which can lead to a decrease in productivity.
2. Create a Routine
Studies have shown that predictable, repetitive routines can reduce anxiety and help you make better decisions. Having a routine is key to creating a work-life balance and can help you become more efficient in completing tasks. A calendar or schedule is a helpful tool for creating a routine. Make sure to add taking breaks into your work day. Set a specific work schedule and try to disconnect at the end of the day.
3. Practice time management
Manage your time effectively by using productivity tools. I love using both the calendar on my phone as well as a physical calendar. You can even utilize a shareable calendar. Create and keep up with to-do lists and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
4. Just say no
Saying no is probably my biggest challenge. If your plate is already full, adding something else to it is a sure recipe for burnout (pun intended). Focus on tasks that are most essential for your business. It is ok to say no!
5. Prioritize yourself
It is so important to stay on top of your mental and physical health. Don’t let things like dentist appointments or doctor checkups slide because you own a business. These things are crucial for staying healthy. Also, make sure you have a hobby or hobbies outside of work. Try to pick a hobby that is different from your job. Don’t forget about eating right, getting enough sleep, and finding time to exercise. Creating time for yourself to do things that are both necessary and fun helps with work-life balance.
6. Ask for Help
Do you have a team? Ask for help and delegate tasks to others. It may be difficult to let go of the reins, but it is better to ask for help than to let something fall through the cracks. Don’t have a team? Ask family to lend a helping hand. If you don't have family in town, it sometimes is necessary to hire help. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of a few great babysitters to help me with my daughter during the week. Virtual assistants can also help with tasks such as scheduling appointments or responding to emails.
7. Make Time for Friends and Family
Humans need socialization in order to thrive. Make sure you spend time with family and friends. This is especially important if you work from home. Get involved with your community, get to know your neighbors, and enjoy spending time with people outside of your organization.
8. Prioritize Happiness
Do what brings you joy. Take that vacation, say yes to going out to dinner with friends, go get that much needed massage. Make sure you take time to disconnect from work during the week by doing what makes you happy!
Achieving work-life balance as an entrepreneur requires ongoing effort and a true commitment to prioritizing your well-being. By implementing these strategies, you can create a healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling work-life balance that supports both your business and personal life.
Sources:
Fisher, J. (2024, April 25). 10 strategies for achieving work-life balance. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/10-strategies-for-achieving-work-life-balance/472302
Hall, J. (2023, April 24). How entrepreneurs can really achieve work-life balance. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2023/04/23/how-entrepreneurs-can-really-achieve-work-life-balance/?sh=7b019c636e4f
Why Routines Are Really Good for Your Health | Piedmont Healthcare. (n.d.). https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/why-routines-are-good-for-your-health
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