Running your own business and achieving a work/life balance can be challenging. The modern professional can often want an answer at any given time, meaning we can be bombarded with emails and requests at all hours.
We’re all guilty of it from time to time. Looking at that text/Teams message from a colleague after hours, or just checking your emails on a Sunday night – all signs that your work/life balance may be slightly skewed.
However, in the fast-paced, modern workplace, being available at all hours shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a strength, but rather that you haven’t learned how to switch off – an important part of any professional’s arsenal. However, if this sounds like you (it definitely sounds like me) then never fear, because you can make changes to address this, whether you work for yourself, or work for a big business.
If you think of yourself as a professional athlete, then imagine that you could race around all day every day with incredible energy, impressing clients and completing project after project like a superstar. However, all top athletes need to rest and recuperate to ensure that they’re working at the optimum level. Ignoring those little ‘aches and pains’ will potentially lead to bigger problems down the line and could lead to you burning out, as you try and be everything to everyone.
Here are a few tips that I’ve tried to integrate into my life as a business owner, a Dad of two small children and a husband. Some of them may make you laugh, but hopefully, they’ll make a difference too.
- Become one with the “Do Not Disturb” Button: Let’s face it, the constant ping of notifications from emails, social media messages, and the like is distracting. It takes away our concentration from what we’re doing outside of ‘work hours’ and stops us from connecting with our loved ones. I turned off notifications from emails and WhatsApp on my laptop so I could focus on what I was doing. My work was still there when I looked, but I could focus better on what I was doing.
- Carve Out “Me Time”: Schedule “me time” in your calendar. Whatever that may be, whether it’s reading, exercising, or learning a new language. Make sure that no one can book that time and do your best not to move it, as this dedicated time for yourself is non-negotiable. I block out time for myself in the day, and often my wife and I have ‘phone-free’ or television-free days/evenings so that we can properly catch up on what’s going on with work/the kids etc.
- Communicate Like a Boss: Let your colleagues, manager, or clients know your boundaries. A simple “I’ll get to this by tomorrow morning” or “I have plans, so I won’t be checking emails after 7pm” can work wonders. Remember, clear communication is key to avoiding that dreaded feeling of being perpetually on call. And, where possible, try not to caveat that with ‘if that’s OK?’ If something can wait then be clear with the boundaries.
- Embrace the Power of “No:” It’s a one-syllable word with the power of a thousand suns. Don’t be afraid to politely decline extra work if you’re already swamped. Remember, a stressed-out, overworked you is not a productive you. This is something I struggle with but need to be better at – in my work and personal life. It’s so tough when you want to impress people but they’ll be more favourable if you are honest.
- Leave Work at Work: This one’s tough, especially in the era of hybrid working, but try to resist the urge to open your work laptop at home or stay glued to your phone. Try and separate them or leave them in a different room. I always find putting my laptop in my work bag helps.
- Find Your Fun: Make time for things and people that bring you joy, whether it’s dancing like you’re all on your own, volunteering for a cause you care about, or going for a walk with a loved one. A happy you is a more productive you, and a more productive you is amazing. I book out time, usually over lunch to either go to the gym or for a run with my wife. Time to catch up and stay healthy, win-win.
- Remember, we all have limitations: Accept there will be days when you can conquer mountains of work, and others where folding laundry feels like a herculean task. Don’t beat yourself up – it’s all part of being human. Make a list based on how you’re feeling that day (and what deadlines you have.) You’ll feel better achieving all/most of a realistic to-do list rather than a fraction of a complicated one.
Achieving work-life balance might feel like an ongoing battle, but it’s a fight worth having. By incorporating some of this advice, you can transform yourself from someone on the verge of burnout into a well-rested, productive person.
Your time is important, so make sure you’re spending it wisely.