Owning a business is hugely rewarding but also demanding. Work easily bleeds into personal life with no real “off” switch. Finding a work-life balance takes self-discipline, but pays dividends through improved health, relationships, and peace of mind.
Define Work Hours
Unlike being an employee with set hours, an entrepreneur’s work schedule is self-imposed. That means 70+ hour work weeks are unsustainably common. Set clear work hours for yourself and team and stick to them except for the occasional deadline crunch. Communicate availability to customers to set expectations.
Having defined work hours makes you more productive since you’re rested. It also frees up your personal life for better balance. For urgent off-hour customer needs, use a call answering service like Apello so staff are not on-call 24/7.
Take Regular Time Off
Always being “on” leads to burnout. Schedule regular PTO by blocking off dates in advance and having your team cover. Avoid checking emails while off to stay present. Use the time to fully recharge through activities like:
- Vacation: A week or more away exploring new locales or relaxing beachside does wonders for gaining perspective and sparking creativity. Turn off work devices to avoid temptation.
- 3-Day Weekends: An extra day helps decompress from intense work weeks. Catch up on personal to-dos at home.
- Mental Health Days: Short notice personal days let you address unexpected life stuff without using vacation time.
Pass On Extra Work
The problem with being your own boss is rarely saying no to work. Be selective with projects instead of accepting everything. Refer clients seeking services outside expertise to other providers. Bring on contractors to take on specialized overflow work rather than doing in-house.
Prioritize Health
Long office hours parked at a desk wrecks health fast. Allot time for self-care like exercise, healthy cooking and good sleep. Schedule annual checkups plus twice-yearly dental cleanings as you would any employee. Maintaining health, mental sharpness, and stamina amplifies business success.
Unplug Regularly
Constant digital noise is draining. Set device usage limits for yourself and staff during workdays. Install app blockers on phones to restrict access to distracting apps during set times. Establish device free zones at home like the dining table. Unplugging intermittently through the day recharges focus and creativity.
Outsource What You Can
Refocus energy on business areas that best utilize expertise. Transfer redundant tasks like bookkeeping, marketing activities, appointment setting and customer service through outsourcing. Virtual assistants handle admin work for low hourly rates. Answering services field customer inquiries round-the-clock. Outsourcing lifts workloads so better life balance is achievable.
Have Realistic Expectations
Becoming a business owner inevitably consumes life somewhat. Instead of trying to achieve some magical balance, have realistic expectations on integrating business and personal worlds. Schedule work blocks around family time instead of vice versa. Attend a child’s school play even if it means late night work catch up. Be present more during evenings and weekends. Adaptation and compromise help minimize sacrifice while still succeeding as an entrepreneur.
Make Wellness a Habit
Treat health not as an afterthought, but a keystone habit driving work-life balance. Set weekly exercise targets. Meal prep healthy snacks to avoid vending machine lunches. Build a friendship circle outside work for perspective. Get outdoors often for mental clarity. Making balanced daily lifestyle choices sustains the energy needed to manage a thriving business long-term.
Conclusion
Finding work-life harmony as a business leader is an evolving process full of trial and error. Stay patient in figuring out what balance strategies work for your life. While demanding, running a successful enterprise on your terms makes the effort ultimately worthwhile.
