Let’s make one thing clear, we only have one life. We don’t live separate ‘work’ and ‘personal’ lives. This constant battle of trying to put them against each other needs to end. Instead, we should acknowledge that both aspects of life are intertwined and should work in harmony. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks this way. In today’s fast-paced world, where everything is on-demand and digital, achieving work life balance has never been more critical. With the power of a mini computer in your pocket (your smartphone) having easy access to social media profiles, emails, and the web, staying connected 24/7 is all too easy. It takes significant discipline to disconnect.
Burnout isn’t fun, and yet it is a common occurrence for many small business owners. But here’s the good news: by redefining what ‘work-life balance’ means to us, we can change the narrative and create a healthier, more sustainable approach to both work and life.
Here are some steps you can take as a small business owner to create more balance in your life:
1. Take a step back and reflect on the big picture
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of hours you’re dedicating to work, it’s time to take a step back and reflect on the bigger picture. What’s being sacrificed in this imbalance? Is it your health, time with family, or personal well-being? Once you identify what’s missing, create a plan and take concrete steps to dedicate time to those lost elements of your life.
2. Delegate, delegate, delegate (non-business critical tasks)
I know letting go is one of the hardest things for a small business owner. After spending countless hours nurturing your business, it’s difficult to hand over tasks. However, transitioning from doing everything yourself to leading a team is crucial for growth. Delegation allows you to focus on what truly matters, while also freeing up your time for other aspects of life.
3. Set clearly defined working hours
If you struggle with the blurred lines between work and personal life, a good tactic is setting clearly defined working hours. Establish specific start and stop times, and most importantly, stick to them. Protecting your time is essential.
4. Take weekends off and smell the roses
As a business owner, it might seem like you should have the flexibility to choose when and how you work. However, the reality is that managing your own business often means working around the clock. While it’s easier said than done, setting aside weekends as your dedicated time off and intentionally planning your week around this boundary can make a significant difference.
5. Find your own definition of balance
There’s a popular saying: “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” While the origin of this quote is debated, its message holds true. If you love what you do, the lines between work and life can blur. When does work start and life finish? Or when does life start and work finished?. My simple answer is they don’t; they co-exist.
If you’re happy with the way you manage both, then you’re doing it right. But if you feel off-balance, these 5 strategies can help you regain some balance.
If you would like some support in checking off your list of tasks so you can find that balance in life, our team at Purple Giraffe can take care of all your marketing needs. Give Purple Giraffe a call today!
