[Think Like An Entrepreneur Thursday] Ep. 18 The Entrepreneur Work Life Balance

Many times when you’re starting a business, the business will consume you.  And if you’re in the position where this is a side hustle, you’ll find yourself with very little time with your loved ones.  It’s important that you create some sort of balance, so you don’t have a successful business with no one left supporting you.  It’s also important that you spend too much time with your family, that you really don’t get the momentum you need to get your business rolling.

I’ve been on both sides of this as I lost a marriage to a business.  I had a super successful business, but no marriage left once it hit the level I had been working towards.  

I now have a business with a spouse, along with two kids.  It’s been crucial that I’ve found balance where my two kids know I’m around, and that I have a healthy relationship with JJ.  

Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure you maintain some sort of balance while still getting to the level of success that you want.

First, I want you to make sure that you have time set aside for family, you are 100% with family.  Maybe it’s only an hour every day you can give, but you need to fully give that hour to them.  There are no calls, no emails, no phone, etc. Make sure you are completely present with your family.  It’s something you need to be conscious of  and let go of the multi-tasking.

Second, Communication is key.  Many times spouses aren’t on board with a business because there’s a financial play, and the truth is, you won’t have a ton of time to devote to them when you’re in the building phrase.  I would encourage that you over communicate with your spouse.  Don’t just share the big shares, share the little things that are happening.  The small wins are what motivates you and you can motivate them by sharing the great things that are happening.  

Also be honest with where you’re at in your business.  Let them know what’s going on, and have them involved as much as you can.  So they’re not wondering what you’re spending your time and money doing, when they’re not seeing results.

Third, Understand the ebbs and flows of your business.  There will be times when your business demands more of you, and so you have to communicate those times.  Be all in for your business and then when the time lets up, be all in for your family.