In an era where competition is stiff and customers are demanding, how can an entrepreneur find success both personally and professionally? If you find that your business is encroaching upon your personal life, consider incorporating these tips to achieve entrepreneurial zen.
- Build or find a support network – For work life balance you have to know when you need help, and do not be afraid to ask for assistance. Entrepreneurs are accustomed to wearing dozens of hats, but this does not always bode well for your personal sanity or business success. In fact, by employing a support network to help you during busy times, you can step back and see your company in a new light – which may allow you to work even more effectively. Consider enlisting your significant other for help when needed, or look into hiring an affordable virtual assistant to help you with the administrative tasks so that you can focus on your specialty: growing your business!
- Let go of guilt – Guilt is a heavy weight that will wear down even the most adept business professional. You are not a bad parent, friend, or person if you need to work full-time or work late to meet orders. Stop dwelling on past mistakes, as they will immobilize you and prevent you from seeing productive ways to handle the future. Instead, when balancing work and life simply make a commitment to allocate time in your personal life to dedicate to your family or friends.
- Know your limits and boundaries – You have to know your physical and mental limits. Consciously force yourself to step away from your business when you feel that you are pushing the point of exhaustion. While business is important, nothing holds more value than your mental and physical health.
- Wean yourself off being a perfectionist – Too many entrepreneurs strive to be the perfect parent, friend, and business person, all rolled into one. However, this is far too much pressure for one individual to handle. Make compromises with yourself and others, especially your family. Know where you can make these compromises without short-changing yourself or your work to achieve the best work life balance.
- Make time for yourself – Giving yourself time to relax and decompress is the most important part of achieving entrepreneurial zen. Be good to yourself first, and being good to others and your business will follow. Find ways to relax and relieve stress and tension. Take a hot bath with the door locked; take yourself out on a date, or read a good book. Taking time off will benefit not only yourself, but your family and business as well.
- Organize – Organizing is the best way to make effective use of your time when balancing work and life. Create lists, utilize an easy-to-read calendar with appointments and goals, and write down your priorities. The more organized your workplace is, the more effective you shall be – and the more time you will have for yourself.
There is no one formula for obtaining a work life balance. However, starting with making time for yourself and understanding your limits can help you find the perfect balance between your personal life and professional endeavors.
