Ok, take one ball and throw it up in the air. Catch it. Do it again. Now add another ball. Throw that one in the air as well. Catch it. Do it again. Now throw both balls in the air at the same time. Chances are you can catch them. What happens when you add that third or fourth ball? It becomes a game of ‘chase’ instead of ‘catch’!

Balancing personal life, family and business is not just a game of catch. It requires thought, planning and support. As entrepreneurs, your day to day schedule can be hectic at best. How do you find a happy medium between the demands placed on you?

In one of my previous articles “Delegate It Already!”, we determined that unless tasks and events are diarized and prioritized, stress levels elevate and productivity goes out the window! There are only 24 hours in any given day and 8 of them need to be reserved for rest and relaxation. (aka Sleep!) As a business person, we need to also accept that the world will not come to an end if that ‘something’ is not accomplished.  Finding a healthy balance between your business and your family/life can be extremely challenging, but it essential if you wish to achieve your dreams and goals.

The following are some  ideas and tips to help make that happen.

1. Prioritze. If you have a family, they are your number one priority. Businesses can be rebuilt, restructured, sold and bought but your family is non-negotiable. Too many times I’ve seen successful business people sacrifice quality time in exchange for ‘things’ – toys, games, presents etc. The one lasting thing you can give your family is memories and that only happens when you spend time with them.
2. Put oxygen mask on self first. Remember to take care of yourself. It could be as simple as a cup of tea while sitting on the back porch or a 15 minute bubble bath.  Take a 20 minute walk or read 2 chapters of the book you are currently reading. It doesn’t matter what it is, just make the time.
3. Schedule. It’s that easy. Print off a large blank calendar and start filling in your tasks, events, meetings and personal time in priority sequence.
4. The Big 6. Before you go to bed each night, write down the 6 things you want to accomplish the next day. Remember that some ‘to do’s’ have more than one step to complete.
5. You’re only Human. Super mom you ain’t! Don’t get sucked into that black hole of perfection that marketers try to feed us on a daily basis. Everyone is NOT created equal and just because Maureen runs 3 companies, has 2 kids in elementary school and sits on the parent advisory committee does not mean she’s happy or that her day runs smoothly. YOU decide what works for you and stick to it.

Remember the fable of the tortoise and the hare – sometimes it is better to be slower  and steadier than racing through life at Mach 5 with your hair on fire. 

Now Go Get Connected!

About Cathy Kuzel

With 25+ years of experience as a successful Entrepreneur and Business Consultant helping Entrepreneurs succeed, she is recognized across Canada for her in-house and public seminars on “All Things Small Biz”. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors in Canada, Cathy is the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?”; “I’m on the Phone!”; the internationally known “Daily Espressos” and is a networking maven.