Surely, you have a life outside of work. For instance, you have hobbies with friends and family. However, you may not want to sacrifice time for family for work. As such, you may very well think about striking a work-life balance as an entrepreneur.
What Striking a Work-Life Balance means
As an entrepreneur, striking a work-life balance entails managing your business and other aspects of your life to achieve optimal working hours and beautiful non-business life.
Consequences of improper work-life balance
Perhaps, you are already conversant with the dangers of overwork. For one, studies show that those who work over 55 hours in a week are more likely to have atrial fibrillations than others who work less. In other words, they are more prone to heart diseases leading to stroke and heart failure.
Similarly, the mortality rate of those working in more stressful job environments is reported as over 15% higher.
How to Strike a work-life balance as an entrepreneur
With these tips, you can work hard but also enjoy more time away from work.
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Set boundaries
First, you have to create various work boundaries. For example, set a rule not to check your email between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. or, you could set a limit and compensations for after-hours work.
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Block out personal time
Second, remember to take breaks. Be intentional about it. Perhaps, you could take your lunch breaks more seriously. When you have social appointments, schedule it ahead and keep reminders.
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It’s okay to say no
Third, it is okay to say no to extra work. This includes saying no to last-minute travel schedules, or keynote invitations. This is especially applicable when you have scheduled social time.
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Change your mindset about work
Meanwhile, it can be helpful to blend work and life together – while at work. That is to say, you should see your work as fun and try to bring in some elements of humor into it.
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Define expectations
Furthermore, you need to communicate clearly with your employees, partners, family, and yourself. This may include offering vocal and written insights into your goals and needs. This way, these other stakeholders will know how they can support you.
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Use more technology and delegate more
Finally, try to identify tasks that others can do instead of you. Then, delegate such tasks. In the same vein, take advantage of technological tools such as workflow automation and cloud computing to make work easier and faster.
Wrapping it up
Understandably, you wouldn’t want your work options any different. You are an entrepreneur who works for yourself. However, you still have to make striking a work-life balance as an entrepreneur a priority. After all, it improves your health and contributes to the growth and success of your business.
