One common problem of entrepreneurial people who run their own company is that they can easily let their professional pursuits take over. This means that they’re letting business related matters cross a boundary into their personal lives, and it’s a chronic problem. They may get to the point where they have no life. Is this you, or could it easily become you?
It’s great to be excited about your entrepreneurial pursuits. But we also will begin to feel off-kilter when other areas of our life go neglected. Here are some tips for avoiding becoming a slave to your business.
1. Stay balanced in all areas of life. Too often when we have our own business we can become driven to the point of obsession, at which time our lives get thrown out of balance. Maybe you decide to work through holidays because you don’t have a partner or a family. This is okay for some of the time, sure. But if you listen to your gut, you will know when things are becoming out of whack. It’s important to feed the different facets of your life, no matter how passionate you may be about growing your business.
2.Remember that when we live in balance, we end up having more creative energy to give to our business when it’s needed. Here are some reminders of what to focus on when you get that feeling that you’re being swallowed up by your own entrepreneurial pursuits.
3.Making time for friends. Meet up with new friends, and don’t forget about those old friends who you might be inclined to take for granted, and procrastinate making time for. Get out and enjoy easy conversation with people who support you in your endeavors and inspire you to be all you can be.
4.Taking care of your health. This means choosing healthy foods that nourish your body, and exercising away the stress to get toned, fit, and looking and feeling your best. The office chair spread is something that we can become accustomed to when we’re consumed with growing a business especially if it’s computer or internet-based. But don’t forget that your mind functions better when your body is at peak performance. So nourish your health whenever possible and get out from that chair.
5.Spending time with children. It could be your own kids, or the kids of your brother and sister or friend down the street. Either way, being a positive influence for children never ceases to be important. Kids need a role model, and if you have your own business you can be someone to learn from. But even if you don’t end up talking business to them, the kids in your life will have much to gain by listening to your stories and putting into practice what you teach. That could be cooking, sports, learning about nature or expression through art, or anything else you’re good at doing.
6.Keeping your home looking lovely. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time there because you’re so busy running your business, your home should be your sanctuary and it should reflect your personal tastes as well as your preference for how you like to live. The more clutter-free and organized your home, the more organized you will become, which is especially important for entrepreneurs So think about how you can strategically place and store items of your home to reduce physical clutter, and in turn calm your mind for clearer thinking and greater productivity.
7.Nurturing personal interests. Do you love to play a few rounds of golf? Feel better after a bike ride? Don’t neglect things in life that bring you pleasure in favor of always working. The very point in having a business was to get back your personal freedom while doing what you were born to do, which is help others in your own special way. So if you can find some time to enjoy hobbies, then use this opportunity. It will more than likely result in a refreshed spirit and a boost of creativity when you do head back to the office. Not to mention – great business contacts can be made while engaging in your favorite pursuits.