Balancing Work and Life in a small, home based business

Balance is different for different people. We don’t need to all spend the same amount of time at home that we do at work. Some want to work more. Others value more free time. To create a life that is balanced, we must do four things:

*First and most importantly, it is absolutely crucial that we set goals with realistic by when dates. The act of setting 5 Year – Present goals relieves us of the need to accomplish everything now Most of us try to fit everything in now and then seams start to split. Setting goals with by-when dates gives us the satisfaction of knowing that we will attend to the things that are important to us but not all at the same time This relieves stress and overwhelm caused by “too much to do and no time” mentality.

*Second, it is equally critical that we utilize a schedule of our liking – It is THE answer to the balance they are looking for. Many think that a schedule limits them…WRONG! Many think that their schedule needs to look a specific way…WRONG! A schedule can look any way that we would like it to look.

*Third, we need to understand that we CREATE our goals and schedules…goals and schedules don’t create us nor should others be creating them. A schedule should be a reflection of how we want our life and business to look; how we’d like to spend our time. How we spend our time is a choice; if you don’t get enough time at home, make more time at home. If you don’t get enough time at work, make more time at work.

*Finally, we must set boundaries. We must have clear and distinct “office hours” and “home hours.” We must let our family and work associates know when those hours are so they know when we are available for them and when we are not. We must follow the hours that we scheduled. Let those around you know your schedule so they are clear on when you are available and when you are not. When you are in “office hours”…stay in “office hours”…don’t drift into personal bill paying, etc. When you are in “home hours,” turn off your phone, close your inbox, shut your door if you have one and have fun.

Balance is different for different people. Finding your balance can help you achieve greater levels of success.