The idea of being your own boss sounds great doesn’t it – work when you want, work for who you want, holiday often…The truth is, it’s not as peachy as it seems. With these ‘rewards’ come challenges, and especially the juggling act of balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
For new business owners, this balance can often tilt precariously towards the business, leading to burnout and strained personal relationships. We’ve all been there, right?
So, how do we ensure a balance? Here are some actionable tips from someone who has been there, to help new business owners strike the right balance:
1. Prioritise Time Management
- Set Boundaries: Allocate specific hours for work and stick to them. Avoid the temptation to answer emails or take business calls after hours. Your business is important, but so is your personal life and well-being.
- Use Tools: From calendars to task management software, utilise tools that help you organise your day efficiently. Apps like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar can be game-changers. I’m also a huge fan of Microsoft Bookings, where I can block time in my calendar weekly, put buffers on meetings, and send the link to meeting requests.
2. Delegate and Trust Your Team
- Avoid Micromanaging: Understand that you can’t—and shouldn’t—do everything on your own. Hire skilled individuals and trust them to handle parts of the business.
- Outsource: Certain tasks, like accounting or digital marketing, can be outsourced to professionals, giving you more time to focus on core business activities. I remember when we expanded back in 2016 and took on a larger office, the one stress every week was cleaning it. I outsourced it for £15 a week, and it was the best decision I ever did, plus it gave me confidence in the reasons behind outsourcing too!
3. Make Time for Yourself
- Schedule Breaks: It’s important to step away, recharge, and then come back with a fresh perspective. Even short breaks during the day can increase productivity.
- Pursue a Hobby: Engage in activities outside of work, be it reading, gardening, or any other hobby. This not only relaxes your mind but also gives you a fresh perspective on challenges. It also stops you from thinking about work too much! My favourites, choir and the garden!
4. Set Clear Goals
- Break Them Down: Set both short-term and long-term goals, and break them into actionable tasks. This allows you to prioritise, helping prevent feeling overwhelmed.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review your goals. This helps in understanding what’s achievable in the given timeframe, ensuring you’re not perpetually chasing the impossible.
5. Foster Personal Relationships
- Schedule Quality Time: Just as you would schedule a business meeting, ensure you have time blocked out for family and friends.
- Open Communication: Talk to your loved ones about your entrepreneurial journey, the challenges, and the commitments. Their understanding and support can be a tremendous pillar of strength.
6. Focus on Health and Well-being
- Regular Exercise: Even a simple 30-minute walk daily can help reduce stress and clear your mind.
- Mindfulness Practices: Consider adopting practices like meditation or yoga. They not only keep you fit but also help in mental clarity and focus.
7. Learn to Say “No”
It’s tempting to grab every opportunity that comes your way, but it’s essential to evaluate each one’s real value. Saying ‘no’ to less critical tasks or opportunities can give you the time and energy to focus on more vital areas of your life and business. This has been a huge one for me to learn, and I’ll be honest, after 10 years of running my own business, I’m only just getting to this one. Every business owner will have a few hats, and so it’s important to evaluate what will help you reach your goals. For me, I’ve had to be really strict with how much time during my week I spend on voluntary (or extra curricular as I call them) things. It’s hard to do, but you have to prioritise your work, your business.
Conclusion
Balancing life as a business owner might seem daunting, especially when you’re just starting out. However, with clear priorities, boundaries, and support systems, it’s entirely possible to manage both personal and professional commitments effectively.
Remember, the aim is not just to be a successful entrepreneur but to lead a fulfilling, well-rounded life.