Why is the topic of work-life balance so important for Small business owners? I believe that when we live a well-balanced life we are the best version of ourselves. That’s why I named my business Balance 6.
The 6 we need to balance are time, money, health, relationship, self-improvement, and higher power or spirituality. If we focus on only 1 or 2 we are out of balance, which affects our business and personal lives.
Those 2 – business and personal life – in my opinion, are intrinsically intertwined and cannot be separated. I cannot be a good business owner, run a successful company when my personal life is out of wack and if my business is out of control it spills over into my personal life, it affects my health and relationships and everything else, including my bottom line.
Professional burn-out is on the rise. Working too much and not having any balance and time off is contributing is becoming the new norm. Not addressing it can have serious consequences.
What would you say to a Small business owner who thinks they don’t have enough time to get started with a work-life balance? How could they get started effectively?
Start out slowly… you know the saying: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. If they currently have absolutely nothing on their schedule for themselves, identify 3 items that they’d love to have as part of their lives, something that would recharge their batteries and would make a huge difference in their lives if they could do them on a regular basis. These items are different for each person.
Here are some examples from previous clients: writing, journaling, calling a friend, taking a walk, listening to music, watching comedy, swimming, reading, etc.
Write these items on a sticky note and post it on the bathroom mirror so you can’t miss it. About once a week you need to move the note to a difference location as it becomes part of the furniture and we don’t notice it any longer.