The Importance of Work-Life Balance

As someone who manages a business part-time while climbing the corporate ladder full-time, I know how easy it is to be consumed by work.

I can’t tell you how may times I have finished up a work day to come home and jump right into any projects or tasks for my business(es). I would suddenly look up at the clock and it would be 8 or 9pm at night. Where did the time go?

I was limiting the time I had in the day to manage life.  As business owner and entrepreneur, it is easy to be consumed by all the things you need to do. If you’re like me, it will feel like you are working two full-time jobs.

I know there’s a narrative that to be successful you have to be going nonstop all the time. I’m here to tell you that’s not true. Burnout is real and I have experienced it a few times during my journey.

Business owners and entrepreneurs are faced with the pressure of running a successful business, trying to keep up with competition or others in the industry, or not setting realistic goals and objectives. Layer that with the many success (or overnight success) stories floating around the internet. The pressure is on.

I’m here to say to take a break. Regroup. Go on a vacation. Don’t neglect your family and loved ones. Make sure you are making time for the other things you love and the people you love. But most importantly, make time for yourself.

Take a walk in the mornings. Call up an old friend to grab a coffee. Watch a movie. Do anything to step away from the computer and take your business owner hat off for a while. You and your business will thank you for it.

Walking away, for a moment of for a few weeks, allows you to come back to your business with a fresh mind. You can decipher problems clearly, tackle projects with a fresh train of thought, and most importantly keep your stress levels low.

Balance is the key. I am not suggesting to neglect your projects or deadlines. But plan your breaks, schedule in time to manage your day to day life, “request” time off. The best part of being a business owner and entrepreneur is that you are in complete control.