In the world of entrepreneurship, you’re the captain of your ship, responsible for charting your course to financial success. But with great freedom comes great responsibility. The more effort you invest in your business, the greater the returns, but how do you maintain work-life balance?
Separate Work From Self-Worth
First, let’s dispel the idea that our worth is solely derived from our work. It’s easy to fall into the trap of letting our professions define us – I mean, I’ve been there – but there’s a way to turn the tables.
When your work revolves around your passion, it becomes less of a chore and more of a fulfilling endeavor. You’ll find yourself working tirelessly, not out of obligation, but because you genuinely love what you do.
It’s an exceptional feeling.
However, not everyone finds this immediate gratification. Some are still navigating their roles within their businesses. Regardless of where you stand, achieving work-life balance while propelling your business forward is vital.
Balance v. Working on Demand
Now, let’s be clear: creating work-life balance doesn’t mean working only when you want. Entrepreneurship often demands sacrifices, especially if you aim to build a business that doesn’t leave you feeling like an underpaid employee.
To truly lead your business, you must adjust your expectations regarding your available time and energy. Prioritize your commitments accordingly.
6 Ways to Create Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur
Expecting business growth means being willing to temporarily sacrifice other aspects of life. Consider it a trade-off that can lead to long-term benefits. To strike this balance effectively, try these strategies:
Time Tracking
Use tools like Toggl or Google Sheets to monitor how long different tasks take. Each week, assess your efficiency, and consider outsourcing tasks to save time.
Deadlines
Don’t just track your time, but also build deadlines into your routine to push your workflow. Just make sure these deadlines don’t compromise the quality of your work.
Social Commitments
Make plans with friends or family who truly enrich your life (and support your business), and stick to them. External accountability can help you maintain boundaries.
Solo Time
Don’t underestimate the power of solo time, rest, and play without a strict agenda. It can certainly boost productivity. For me, it’s totally led to creative solutions surrounding my content marketing strategy.
Frequent Breaks
Don’t forget to take breaks during your workday. It’s crucial to be intentional about pausing, even if you can’t manage a mid-day outing (i.e. just walk around the neighborhood for 5 minutes).
Client & At-Home Boundaries
A great way to set clear customer/client boundaries is through written contracts. In my case, when I deliver a client contract at the start of the relationship, I can ensure that clients understand how we’ll work together and when they can expect to hear from me via email or Google Meet.
Lawyer-drafted, customizable contract templates like those offered by Coaches & Company can be invaluable in outlining your professional relationships.
On the other side of this boundary-setting conversation are at-home boundaries. Working from home poses unique challenges when it comes to separating work from personal life. Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a team, striking this balance requires creativity.
And hey, even if you work outside of the home, this is your reminder to enjoy non-work conversations within your household.
Seasons of Imbalance
Understand that not every season will offer an ideal balance. Launching new offers, rebranding, hiring, or adapting to industry changes can create extra demands on your time and energy.
Recognize that these intense periods are temporary. In the meantime, identify healthy habits to cope with stress.
Valuing Your Work
After putting these tips into practice, perhaps you’ll find yourself frustrated by the amount of time and energy your work is consuming. Consider whether you’re undervaluing or overvaluing your work.
An undervaluing voice procrastinates, convinced that no one, not even you, will appreciate the work. On the other hand, an overvaluing voice demands perfection, leading to unnecessary pressure.
Find the middle ground that helps you reach the finish line effectively and efficiently.
What We Covered
The entrepreneurial journey is truly a balancing act. At the time of writing this, I’m only one year into my journey, so I’m sure I don’t know the half of it!
But already I get the sense that it’s about continually assessing yourself and seeking harmony between the demands of your business and your personal life.
So, my recommendation is to embrace it, set boundaries, and prioritize wisely.
Further Reading on KatQuintana.com: Interested in more entrepreneurship tips? Check out these posts next.
Affiliate Disclaimer: A link included in this post allows me to earn extra income via affiliate marketing. I 100% only recommend products/services that I know will work. Thanks for your trust!
