Balancing work and life can be tricky for entrepreneurs, so we asked some Founders and CEOs for their top tips. They offer practical strategies, from setting aside personal time to mixing work and life with micro-scheduling, to help you find harmony between your career and personal life.
Schedule Personal Time:
When you’re a digital nomad, it’s tough to separate work from personal time. To counter this, schedule personal activities just like you would a meeting. Adding things like self-care or time with family to your calendar helps ensure you regularly unplug and enjoy these moments. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—think spa days, mini-date nights, or just hanging out with friends and family.
Maximize Morning Productivity:
With two young kids, I try to knock out my work early in the morning before the household wakes up. This way, evenings become family time, not catch-up-on-work time. I’m sharper in the morning, so it’s a win-win—productive work sessions and quality family time.
Adjust Notifications:
In today’s world, it’s easy to be constantly connected. But to maintain balance, it’s crucial to know when to unplug and be present. I tweak my phone’s notifications to ensure work apps can’t interrupt my personal time. This helps me stay focused on family or leisure without being pulled back into work mode.
Delegate at Home:
Delegation isn’t just for the office—it can help at home too. When running a small business, you wear many hats. Sharing responsibilities with family and friends can free up your time for relaxation or hobbies and lead to better results as everyone plays to their strengths. Openly communicate your needs, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when necessary.
Set Boundaries and Priorities:
Clear boundaries, like defined work hours, are crucial for balance. For instance, we don’t work weekends despite our 24/7 online presence. Also, learn to say no to some opportunities to avoid burnout and focus on what truly matters to you.
Take Breaks:
Taking breaks might sound simple, but it’s something many entrepreneurs overlook. I’ve realized the importance of stepping away from work to recharge and return with fresh ideas that boost my business.
Be Unplugged:
When with family or friends, stay in the moment. Turn off your devices and tune in to real life for a healthier work-life balance.
Reflect and Adjust:
Finding balance is like piecing together a puzzle that reflects your life priorities. Pause and reassess if your daily schedule aligns with what matters most. Tweak your approach so work and life flow together smoothly.
Create Work-Free Zones:
Especially when working from home, it’s important to separate work from personal life with clear boundaries. Set schedules, limit notifications, and define a workspace to minimize burnout.
Manage Time Rigorously:
Efficient time management helps balance multiple responsibilities. I allocate specific periods for work, maintaining early mornings for focused tasks, which keeps personal and work life separate. Tools for automation and outsourcing can boost efficiency and free up personal time.
Blend Life and Work:
“Micro-scheduling” combines work and personal time by breaking the day into small, manageable segments. Sprinkle short personal breaks throughout the day, and align activities with both work and life goals to stay refreshed and productive.
