7 Strategies To Stay Balanced While Running Your Own Business
filed under: 7 Things
Running your own business? If so, you know how essential it is to stay balanced. Juggling the demands of your clients, day-to-day tasks, and the never-ending to-do list can be tough and it's important to find equilibrium if you want to succeed.
Tunnel 7’s President, Emily, has been running the business for 2 years now. And while everyone’s experience is vastly different, we know each business owner deals with ups and downs when it comes to entrepreneurship. Emily has shared some of her learnings below - we hope they're helpful!
1. Learn The Flow And Plan For it.
Every business has its own unique ebbs and flows. For example, at Tunnel 7, we expect the fall to be website upgrade heavy, while the rest of the year is more focused on new website builds.
While dialing into the rhythm of your particular business may take some time, especially in the early years, it’s incredibly important to understand and trust the flow as soon as you begin noticing it. If you can do this, you’ll be better equipped to ride the waves, take steps to bring in more work when needed and know when to expect a slow period.
2. Accept Self-Care As A Necessity, Not A Luxury.
As a business owner, your energy and motivation are a key part of what drives your business. In order to show up fully present each day, it’s important to take care of yourself. While this is important in all types of work, it’s especially true as a business owner.
Working to exhaustion, not getting enough sleep, skipping time off and spending your entire work day fueled by caffeine will take a toll over time. Find a way to maintain your energy. For example, find daily routines that help you maintain energy throughout the day and schedule your favorite flavor of regular self-care. Vacations, massages, hiking, or anything that helps you feel good can work in this scenario.
3. Recognize When You Need Support.
Managing your time and energy, and keeping yourself resourced, is vital for your success. Whenever possible, spend your energy on the things you’re good at and find support for tasks that are challenging or take more time and energy for you. For example, Emily finds that getting accounting help and being part of a content writing group for Tunnel 7’s marketing help free her up to focus on other aspects of the business.
4. Play Hard. Work Better.
Hobbies are a no-brainer way to ensure your work is sustainable over the long haul. Find some interests and spend time pursuing them. And while the amount of time you’re able to dedicate to your hobbies will change from time-to-time, even 30 minutes a day can help break that cycle and give your brain a break.
In Emily’s case, she’s found rock climbing to be something that forces her to unwind and unplug. It’s not possible to worry about a work project while also doing the crux move of a challenging climbing route.
This might sound obvious but focusing outside of work will help you focus better while you’re working.
5. Design Your Schedule For Your Rhythm.
Whenever possible, design a work schedule that fits your personal rhythms. Do you work best on a 9-5 schedule, eating lunch at your desk so you have your evenings free? Or will a longer day with a real break for lunch be better for you?
It may sound selfish to do this, but when we actually work within our natural rhythms, we often stay more engaged in our work and are more productive overall, as opposed to constantly trying to make ourselves conform to a schedule that isn't working.
It might take some time to learn when your energy is best and what times of the day you tend to be able to focus on different types of projects. Pay attention to your needs and preferences and design accordingly.
6. Celebrate Your Wins, Big or Small.
It’s surprising how often we forget to do this! We reach a milestone and immediately move on to the next thing. It can make a big difference in your overall outlook and productivity to take time (daily, if possible) to celebrate your successes, individually or as a team.
7. Bonus!
See if you can come up with at least a short list of successes each day. Over time, your list of successes will probably become easier to create. Feeling successful and effective on a regular basis can provide a huge boost to our energy and motivation at work.
Navigating the entrepreneurial journey can be a bumpy ride, but with the right tools it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience.
And by the way, if web design, website maintenance and digital marketing aren't in your wheelhouse, we’re here to support you. Contact us today to get started on your website or marketing project.