The idea of being a business owner can be very attractive because you feel like you’re going to have more flexibility, more freedom, and more time to do the things that you love. The reality is a little different. It’s very time consuming to be a business owner. There’s no boundary’s telling you when it’s time to stop or how to move fourth on a project. You’re in control 110%. What I want to share with you are four tips that have helped me maintained a better balance in my work and personal life as a business owner.
1. The concept of a finish line: You want to define a finish line. I got this concept from the business owner, who is also a mom. And she likens the idea of being a business owner to driving in a race, which is a great analogy, right? We are all working so hard, so fast. But we also want to define that time in the day, that the race needs to end. Take your calendar and define what that time of the day is. Perhaps, it changes from day to day, but we want to make a commitment to the finish line. That’s the point at which you’re going to stop work and begin personal life.
2. Having transition time: This relates to the finish line. But your mind is often caught up in being a business owner.You’re so consumed with the thought of business, that even if you hit that finish line, you’re still thinking about work while at home. This is why I recommend that business owners find some sort of healthy hobby, something that creates a natural transition mentally for you, so that you can start to think a little bit more about your personal life. Some examples might be going for a walk, taking the kids out to the park, reading, or cooking up a nice hot meal for the family. Whatever you choose, just choose something that relaxes your mind and your body.
3. Having gatekeepers: These can be systems or even your spouse that you put into place that create a barrier so that you don’t get interrupted during that personal time. For instance, when I know its family time, I put aside all electronics and have all calls go to my voice mail. Personal time with my children is valuable and I want to make sure they know that they are just as important to me.
4. Creating sanctuary time: Establish some time during the day, some period within the week, where you don’t touch technology. Yes, it’ll still be there when you get back. But there’s that sanctuary that allows your mind to relax and not get constantly bombarded by all the beeps and the buzzes. Pick up your book and finish it, start a new craft, or that new recipe that you wanted to try.. yeah that one… go grab the ingredients! Let your creativity and sanctuary time be a regular activity on your day to day calendar.
The idea that you have control, as the business owner can put processes into place that gives you better balance in your life. It will help you be successful in your business and improve your personal systems. Try implementing these four steps into your daily routine to help maintain balance in your work and personal life, and let me know how it goes!!