|
In June of last year, I found myself just two months shy of becoming a first-time father, engaged in conversation with a fellow IT business owner at a conference. This seasoned entrepreneur, a father of two twenty-some-year-olds, spoke candidly during the cocktail hour, particularly after his fourth glass of bourbon. Unintentionally, I posed perhaps the most challenging question yet: “What is your biggest regret, David?” His response hit me like a ton of bricks: “You only get 18 summers with your kids.” Each word carried immense weight, leaving a heavy feeling in my chest. “18 summers” became the cornerstone of my ongoing struggle to establish a healthy work-life balance as a business owner. This week, I’m excited to share six tricks that have helped me make gains in this battle.
From the outside, being a business owner is often regarded as a significant privilege, and in many respects, it certainly is. Yet, carrying the weight of ensuring satisfied clients, content employees, managing bills, and myriad other responsibilities can easily consume every waking hour of the day. Before any tips or tricks could truly make a difference, I had to come to terms with the magnitude of this challenge and acknowledge that I wouldn’t emerge victorious every single day. This realization granted me the mindset necessary to persevere in the face of adversity. When the going gets tough, I remind myself of “18 Summers,” urging myself to remain gentle, exercise patience, and never give up on my efforts. Now let’s get on with those 6 tricks.
1- Solidify and clarify your boundaries
Have a schedule and try to stick to it. Defining your work hours provides visibility and clarity on creating a healthy balance.
The challenge lies in putting in effort to minimize distractions and prevent overlaps. Focus solely on work during designated hours, minimizing personal distractions, and refrain from carrying work tasks over into personal time. You may not always succeed but having a solidified schedule will always provide you with a reference point to help achieve your balancing goals.
2- Have a plan
Starting your day with a few minutes of planning will ensure that high-priority tasks are completed so they don’t cause stress during your personal time.Additionally, it’s extremely helpful to set aside some time on Mondays to review the entire week ahead. While unexpected surprises are inevitable, having a plan in place and allowing flexibility for the unexpected can help minimize their impact.
Remember to schedule regular non-work related activities throughout your day, as they can significantly boost your overall productivity.
3- Take breaks
Yes, this deserves a paragraph of its own because, as busy individuals, we seldom find justification for stepping away from our lengthy to-do lists.
It’s common to jump from one task to another throughout the workday. However, it’s crucial to remind yourself that true success lies in leading the way through this lengthy marathon, rather than simply sprinting to get ahead. Breaks are essential for long-term gains as they maintain both a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Take a short walk, lay out a yoga mat and stretch, indulge in reading a book, or even allow yourself a brief nap if that’s what your body needs.
If you struggle with incorporating breaks into your routine, consider setting a timer on your phone. Just like any other valuable task that needs to be accomplished, add it to your schedule to ensure you take regular breaks.
4- Master the art of saying “No”
It’s tempting to agree to every request that comes your way, even if it means stretching yourself too thin. However, understanding when (and how) to say no can ultimately spare you from unnecessary stress, improve the quality of your output, and keep you in the driver’s seat.
Being unable to control your schedule and set your own priorities can lead to a number of negative consequences, affecting everything from your stress levels to your ability to reach your goals.
5- Set aside “me time”
Whether it’s business or personal matters, your to-do list and pending projects will always be crowded. Scheduling time to recharge your batteries will ensure that you can tackle tasks with renewed energy and produce better results, all while wearing a smile.
Whether it’s grabbing coffee with a friend, taking a bath before bed, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy, always make room for yourself in your day.
6- Exercise and eat well
If your body isn’t able to maintain its balance, achieving balance in your life will be challenging. There’s a moment when everyone realizes their own vulnerability, recognizing that we’re not invincible. If you constantly grab fast food on the go or skip your time at the gym, you’ll inevitably lag behind in this marathon of life. Your body is your sole sanctuary, and taking good care of it is undoubtedly the best investment you can ever make.
Becoming a dad has offered me a fresh perspective on life, significantly altering my priorities. Now, I find myself seeking a new hobby to replace the long road trips I used to enjoy on my Harley. Do you have any hobbies you’re passionate about and would like to share?
– Burak Sarac, Team Lead
|
