Achieve Work Life Balance

Work-Life Balance?


Starting a business is an exciting endeavor and it is also challenging. In a business' infancy the last thing you may think about is how to create work-life balance. Making time for yourself when your business is in the startup phase (usually 0-3 years) can be critical to your success.


As a single women and business owner, I often forget to take the time to enjoy life. I am always thinking about the next thing I have to do or the next project I have to work on. Recently, over a dinner conversation, the person I was speaking with asked me what I do for myself. When I began to answer, she said, "No. You have to take time for yourself." It sounds easy to do when you hear that. It reminds me of one of my favorite sayings.


"Entrepreneurs work a few years like no one will so that they can live the rest of their life like most people cannot."


I understand this quote and respect it. But does that mean that we cannot have balance in our lives? What does it look like for us to have work-life balance? I do not have one answer, but I do know that I am striving for this balance. 


5 ways of introducing work-life balance into your routine:

• Quiet Time - Set aside at least 15 minutes a day when you do absolutely nothing. Don't think about work or any other stressors you may have.
• Quality Time - Spend a few hours a week doing something you enjoy. You can walk on the beach, get a massage, or have drinks with the girlfriends. However, if you do go out with other people do not discuss business. This time is solely for relaxation.
• Decide what is important - It is easy as the CEO to engulf yourself in your business and very tempting to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Truly evaluate whether these opportunities will make or break your business and learn to say, NO.
• Set realistic goals - Setting goals is key to success whether in business or in your personal life. I encourage you to create goals in both of these areas. What is important to the success of your business? What do you want to achieve in your personal life? When you outline these goals, it will allow you to eliminate the unnecessary. 
• Get a life - Find something that you can do, not related to your business that excites you. Do that as often as you can while you are building your company/business. Take time out with family and friends as often as you can. Enjoy life while creating a successful business.