As a small business owner, I’ve realised that work life balance is essential for business success. Here are six nuggets to help you achieve it.
Running your own business gives you the flexibility to work your own hours, but it can also mean that your personal life is placed on the backburner. Many business owners struggle to find a balance between business and life, especially now that technological advancements allow them to be connected 24/7.
If you find yourself in the above category, here are some tips to help you achieve a healthy and productive work life balance.
Set goals and plan weekly tasks in advance
Having clear goals and setting tasks in advance makes life easier because it gives you control and a sense of direction.
In writing down your goals and tasks for the week, make sure they are: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. By making sure your goals are ‘SMART’, you are more likely to achieve them.
Undertake training in the techniques required
Enrol in a course or research books related to maintaining and achieving a healthy work life balance. Whether it is time management, goal setting, maximising productivity or stress management, there are endless resources available to help you.
Make an exercise plan
There are many studies that prove exercise is important in anyone’s daily routine. Not only does it make you feel good about yourself, it gives you a fresh mind – meaning you’ll function more efficiently and complete tasks in less time.
Avoid multitasking
Multi-tasking may seem like the best way to get more things done, but in reality it helps us accomplish very little – instead we end up with several half completed tasks, and nothing to cross off our to-do lists. Whenever possible, focus on one task at a time.
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Take a break
Working non-stop throughout the day is not the most productive approach when it comes to completing your work. Take frequent, short breaks to maintain energy and focus. Make sure you get away from your desk every so often to stretch your legs too.
Get a business coach
If you feel you have all the right systems in place but are still struggling with finding the right balance between work and life, consider investing in a business coach. That way you can find out sooner rather than later how to get rid of bad habits, and can implement strategies to help you succeed.
Remember, work life balance involves all components of life, including: work, non-work activities, life responsibilities and leisure activities. Work life balance is good for you, and good for your business.
What do you do to achieve work life balance?
