Being a small business owner, you can often be very busy. There is always lots to do with a seemingly never-ending to-do list. There are customers to follow-up, quotes to get out, jobs to do things to follow-up… all the different things that you need to do to run your business.
Sometimes you can even feel like you’re a slave to your business in all that you’re doing. Sound familiar?
So, how do you get the balance back, so you have more time off each week and during the year as a business owner? Here’s three things which can really make a difference:
1) Set Boundaries
Start to draw a line in the sand, because if you don’t draw the line in the sand, then who will? What is not negotiable about when you work and when you don’t work? For example:
- Not doing work before 7:30am or after 6:00pm
- Only going out networking one night a week or two nights a week, rather than every night of the week.
- Not working on weekends
Think about what going to support you by setting boundaries? The key here is to start setting boundaries and draw the line in the sand.
2) Book / Schedule Your Holidays
Start scheduling your holidays in advance for the whole year at the start of the year. You’ll be surprised that once you have booked something you will find a way to make it happen. Rather than waiting and saying, ‘there’s no time for me to have a holiday’ or ‘I don’t know when I’ll have a holiday.’ Just book the time off in advance and you’ll find a way.
3) Share With Your Loved Ones
Finally share your boundaries with your loved ones. Share the holidays you’re going to take with your loved ones. This includes your husband, wife, partner and kids. In fact, your kids will be great at reminding you that you are going on a holiday or you are not supposed to be working today.
These three simple steps can help you take more time off each week and during the year so you can feel motivated, energised and renewed around your small business.
