Entrepreneurs are known for their passion, dedication, and strong work ethic. Yet, these qualities can lead to all-night work sessions and the neglect of personal needs. Achieving a better work-life balance when managing a business isn’t impossible. But it requires consciously scheduling the “life” part and becoming more productive at work.
One way to boost productivity is to automate repetitive, mundane tasks. Everything from sales prospect emails to client onboarding minutiae can be taken off your plate with the right software.
Beyond tech tools and automation, entrepreneurs can learn to prioritize and enhance efficiency by examining what work-life balance means. Since everyone’s idea of the “right” balance can vary, here are some general tips for juggling professional and personal success.
scheduling. And it does not just work tasks and business meetings you must put on your calendar. Your schedule should also include the time you’ll spend with family and friends, exercising, or relaxing.
Besides scheduling personal time, it can help to establish regular work hours. Although adjusting for emergencies or time-sensitive requests may be necessary, setting boundaries is important. Committing to work hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., for example, can ensure you can put business aside.
Digital calendars, devices, and project management applications can keep tracking your scheduled commitments and tasks. These tools can provide a snapshot of your accomplishments and whether you have room for more. Some of these applications can generate reports to see how many hours you devote to work versus your personal life.
business and personal time can be tough. A best practice is establishing a home office space only used for work. If you think you’ll be tempted to return to your desk after dinner, shut the door at the end of your workday.
You can also turn off your work devices, including computers and smartphones. Devices that keep you connected to your email and social media accounts can be problematic. Turning them off when you’re scheduled to be done with work eliminates distractions that take you away from personal needs. There are Wi-Fi solutions like Plume HomePass that even give devices a “time out” so you can be in control of your device use.
You should also set office hours and availability expectations with employees and clients. This can cut down on unnecessary communications, set an example, and build an organizational culture that values work-life balance.
3. Restore Through Recreation
Part of a good work-life balance is finding out who you are outside of work. Your business is a part of your identity, but it probably doesn’t represent Everything you enjoy. Exercise Playing tennis with friends can keep your mind sharp and make you more productive when working. Even if it’s casual, exercise can keep your health on track and release stress.
Of course, hitting the gym or walking isn’t the only way to unwind and avoid burnout. Discovering a new hobby or reviving an old one can activate other parts of your brain and add meaning. You might want to try painting, reading literary novels, or learning how to make pottery. You might want to try images, read academic books, or learn how to make pottery.
Sometimes it’s good to schedule a “do-nothing” day where you relax. Whether getting out and observing nature or watching your favorite movies, incubating can inspire new ideas. If your body and mind have been overworked lately, relaxing can restore your energy and leave you feeling less taxed. You’ll be able to get back to work with a renewed sense of purpose.
4. Maintain Networks and Relationships
Isolation can increase stress and impede productivity and creativity. That’s why it’s important to maintain relationships at work. Being remote or unapproachable can reduce your team’s morale, leading to employee disengagement and a loss of output. To keep your employees motivated, you must engage as a business leader.
Maintaining your professional networks is also key. Industry connections can offer insights and support you may not be able to get from co-workers, family, and friends. They’re also a vital resource when brainstorming a solution to a business problem. In addition to regularly checking in with your professional peers, keep building your network through online and offline events.
Dedicating more hours to get your business or startup off the ground doesn’t mean your relationships should suffer. Just as your industry peers can offer support, so can your family and friends in ways your colleagues can’t. After all, your network knows you in different ways.
There’s the knowledge of the challenges you’ve been through outside the office. Plus, there may seem besides of your personality you don’t readily reveal in a business setting. Friends and family can remind you of your resilience or point out positive attributes about yourself you may have overlooked.
Finding the Right Mix
Becoming an entrepreneur usually involves trading the predictability of traditional employment for the freedom of being your boss. While long hours are part of the package, you don’t have to sacrifice a work-life balance that meets your needs. Knowing and accepting that you have limits are important first steps.
You’ll want to define what that looks like to achieve a good work-life balance. Some business owners are OK with engaging in a few hobbies on the weekends. Others must start most mornings with an hour of exercise before diving into work. It can help to experiment with structuring your work and personal time in various ways and seeing what feels best.
Once you find the right mix of work, play, and relaxation, you’ll see your enthusiasm and energy increase. Remember to schedule, prioritize, and use the tools that work best for you. Your efforts to make yourself, your business, and your relationships succeed will soon start to pay off.
