Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important for entrepreneurs - and perhaps most especially when you’re running a new business.
Sometimes business owners fall into the temptation of working long hours as they try to grow their new startup. While this may be understandable at times, it should never be the norm for anyone. Excessive work could lead to decreased productivity, increased stress levels, and other serious problems.
That said, you need to strike a good balance between your business and personal life if you want to avoid the consequences of overworking. Here are some practical ideas to help you achieve that:
1. Create a to-do list
This suggestion may not seem so unusual but to-do lists can, in fact, be very effective for those who habitually use them.
With a checklist, you can schedule tasks you want to accomplish within the day. It will allow you to prioritize your responsibilities, streamline your work, and beat deadlines. You will be able to observe your limits as you keep in mind that your goal is to be productive - not merely to be busy.
2. Avoid multitasking
Some may think it’s natural for entrepreneurs to wear multiple hats and thus, multitasking is simply unavoidable for them.
However, it is worth noting that heavy multitaskers usually “have reduced memory,” according to experts. As Psychology Professor Anthony Wagner told Stanford, multitasking is often “associated with poor performance on cognitive memory tasks.”
Wagner likewise pointed out:
“The word ‘multitasking’ implies that you can do two or more things at once, but in reality our brains only allow us to do one thing at a time and we have to switch back and forth.”
3. Learn to delegate
Good entrepreneurs know that a successful business doesn’t have to be a one-person show. It’s important that you learn how to delegate tasks among your team members.
This means investing time and resources in training them. Let them know what your expectations are and teach them accountability. While they’re at it, ask them for progress reports. Provide feedback and support as needed.
When done right, you’ll find out delegation can significantly lighten the burden on your shoulder.
4. Outsource
Can’t afford to hire additional employees yet? Well, fret not. You can always outsource!
For example, you can work with freelancers for projects such as blogging, chat support, data entry, graphic design, and other tasks.
On top of that, you may also hire the services of attorneys, accountants, registered agents, and other professionals to help you out in other aspects of your business.
5. Schedule time for yourself and your loved ones
Finally, you want to make sure that your calendar includes time for yourself, your friends, and your family members.
Hit the gym. Pursue a new hobby. Go on a vacation. See your doctor or therapist. Get enough sleep. Of course, you want to be present in the lives of others. Visit your friends. Attend special occasions with family members.
Taking time for these things can benefit your well-being, so you need to make them a priority.
As best-selling author and motivational speaker Stephen Covey once said:
“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”