Ten Ways to Balance Work and Family

One of the biggest challenges for business owners is how to balance work life and home life. I hate to tell you this but there is no such thing as work-life balance. If you own a business there will always be times when the pressure is on and home life suffers. The trick is to manage those circumstances and develop a plan of how you will blend your work life with your home life.

Here are ten tips that will help you manage your work life and home life.

1. Set realistic goals. It's pretty much a given fact that if you want to achieve something big, you have to make some sacrifices.  While the select few can manage, most people can't become a CEO and run a successful household.  When setting your goals, be realistic and don't stretch yourself too thin. Ask for help.
2. Make schedules. Keeping track of work and your family can be difficult to plan. Set a time with your partner each week to review and plan the family schedule. Make note of any events such as children’s prize giving’s and sports tournaments and add them to your calendar. Try to keep a set schedule from day to day and week to week if you can. Always remember to make a written schedule and give everyone a copy.
   
   
3. Take time for yourself. Whether you are a Mum or a Dad it’s important to take care of yourself.  Build in at least a few minutes of "you time" every day, whether it be going for a run, watching your favorite TV show, or just sitting in a room by yourself to relax for a few minutes. Take it seriously – schedule the time in your calendar or day planner.
   
   
4. Work from home. If you can do your work over the Internet or phone, you may be able to swing working at least part of the time from home, giving you more time to spend with your family.  Just remember that there are a lot more things at home to distract you from getting your work done.
   
   
5. Get some exercise. Working out is not only a great way to stay healthy and gain energy, it's also a great way to spend time with your kids.  Instead of hitting the gym, go play ball in the back yard or take them for a walk. Spending time playing with your family is a great way to build lasting relationships.
   
   
6. Take advantage of leave. As a business owner you likely schedule leave for your employees but do you do it for yourself? One of the best ways to stay sharp is to take time off every 3 or 4 months. Whether you go on a vacation with your family or just use it to take a well-deserved rest, the time away from your business – even a long weekend, will have good results in the long run.
   
   
7. Prioritize. When making your to-do lists, figure out the things that are most important for you to do and get them done first.  If there isn't enough time to do everything, you won't feel as bad about what you have to cut.
   
   
8. Take classes. As many people will tell you, there's no manual on how to be a good parent and have a successful business.  But if you search around your community, you can find classes and seminars from people that have been where you are and managed to do well.  They can give you inspiration along with helpful tips to get through your day.
   
   
9. Watch for burn out. Even if you schedule everything, take breaks, and do everything else above, what you're doing may just be too much for you.  Watch yourself for changes in mood, changes in behaviour or physical problems.  They could be a sign that you're burnt out and need to make some changes to your plans.  Remember, your health is your most important asset.
   
   
10. Learn to say no. If you want to have a successful business and family life, you will have to learn to say no occasionally. Saying no does not make you a bad parent, nor does it make you a bad boss. You don’t have to say yes to everyone every time.  Decide on what is important to you and stick with your priorities.