How can small business owners achieve work-life balance?

Achieving work-life balance as a small business owner involves a blend of self-awareness, strategic planning, and realistic goal-setting. Understand what is most important to you both in your personal and professional life. Include personal and family time, health, financial goals, and personal growth. Reflect on how much time and energy you are currently investing in different areas of your life. Are there imbalances that conflict with your core values?

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designate specific work hours and avoid bringing work into personal time. Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines. Focus on high-priority items first, and avoid getting overwhelmed by non-urgent tasks. Delegate tasks to capable team members or consider outsourcing certain functions. Trusting others with responsibilities can alleviate your workload.

As an executive coach to entrepreneurs, I've observed several common obstacles and challenges that business owners face when trying to set boundaries. One challenge is that they are deeply invested in their businesses, making it hard to disconnect. Their personal identity is often closely tied to their business, blurring the lines between work and personal life. It's common for entrepreneurs to feel guilty for not working or taking time off. Setting boundaries requires recognising the value of your own time and wellbeing. Also, cultivate a healthy work culture that respects personal time, including yours.

I live by my calendar to accomplish my work-life balance. I utilize my calendar as a communication vehicle and it doesn't happen if it's not on my calendar. That doesn't mean he has to track everywhere I go or what I do; it can be as simple as "Girl's Time" or "Sandi's Doctor's appointment." Here's how I manage my calendar. 1. I have only one calendar for work and personal! I know one school of thought is to keep them separate, but I have to look in too many places, and the calendars don't always sync. 2. I color-coded my calendar in green, yellow, red. 3. I gave my husband access to my calendar. 4. I keep a 1-week printout on the refrigerator. 5. Nothing is too small to go on the calendar. 4. We review together once/week.

One must schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge. Stepping away from work, even for a short time, can enhance productivity and reduce stress.

It can be tempting to try to do everything yourself, but that's often not sustainable or effective in the long run. Identify the tasks that are most critical to your business's success, and consider delegating or outsourcing the rest. For example, if you're not a bookkeeping expert, consider hiring an accountant or bookkeeper to handle your finances. Or, if you're finding it difficult to keep up with marketing and social media, consider outsourcing those tasks to a freelancer or agency. Delegating and outsourcing doesn't mean you're shirking your responsibilities - it means you're prioritizing your time and energy in a way that allows you to be more productive and effective.

If you’re going to achieve a work-life balance as a business owner, it is imperative that you trust someone. You don’t have to give them the keys to the kingdom, but you need to trust that in your absence they will act as you would. The key is to identify an “owner’s attitude” in any employees and grow that through trust and responsibility. Then, you will have the best chance to take some time for yourself.

Delegating works great for business but not for my personal! When I give my husband a task, he feels he can ignore it. I outsource jobs in my business and will focus on my personal. Get your house cleaned. Housekeeping was a main source of disagreements - he didn't want to do it, and I didn't have time to do it. There are so many inexpensive ways to get that done. I use an App and pay as little as $99 to clean 3 rooms. Buy warranties for your home. Sears Home Warranty is my "fix-it guy." They fix every appliance and I don't have to wait for my husband to "get to it." Yard work gets outsourced. I have a lawn person who comes on a schedule! Use event planners for parties and high school kids for odd jobs. Happy wife, happy life.

Understand your limits and be willing to say no to additional commitments that may stretch you too thin. Focus on what aligns with your priorities. Consider outsourcing non-core tasks, such as administrative work or bookkeeping, allowing you to focus on core business activities.

I disagree with the word "balance" which connotes a 50/50 relationship. I prefer to use "integration" because I most likely cannot accomplish a true balancing act. For example, when I had to travel a lot for my business, I comprised with my family. So, I will miss the birthday party but I will not miss the dance recital; I will reschedule a doctor's appointment but not cancel vacations. I left corporate because neither balance nor integration worked - I didn't own my schedule. The only way I could accomplish that was to start my own consulting business. That's when I learned to use the same tools in business as in my personal life, i.e., my calendar as a communication device, and to outsource housekeeping and other necessary jobs.