By Rachel
Earlier this month, I wrote a blog celebrating my second anniversary in business, “Two Years in Business: The Search for Balance Continues.” It turned out that many r
eaders identified with this blog and some even offered advices for how they find balance. A few of these responses resonated with me and thought I would share them here.
Fred Angrand, Angrand Dezigns:
I don't think there will ever be a balance, but more like a juggling act. So many surprises happen in running a business and those surprises demand immediate attention. For example, you receive a phone call from a local TV station that wants an interview with you today for a program that air's tomorrow. That's great news, but you have a dinner with your family from out of town.
Sylvia Hepler, Launching Lives:
I take time to read a book or take a walk – even if it’s just for an hour or two. I also go to bed by 9 pm so I can function optimally the next day.
Shelby Pizzarro, Egyptian Moon Dance Company:
I did know my life was to revolve around the business before I started, so I was somewhat prepared for it. The upside was the success of the business [but] the downside was that the business dictated everything...when I slept, when I ate, when I went on vacation - if I had the time to go on vacation.
I guess the way to keep a balance for me was to try to make time to do one non-business related thing a week, even if it was only for an hour. And you have to make yourself stop. It's hard, but it's worth the effort because I found it brings you back to the passion you had when you first started the business.
Adam Gottlieb, The Frugal Entrepreneur:
One of the "problems" with running your own business (and even more so if you are a solopreneur) is that you put so much of yourself into it that it is sometimes very hard to see outside of it. It's your baby, and you're watching it grow and develop...
But, if you don't take care of yourself, and have that balance you mentioned then it will be for naught because you'll be too exhausted and apathetic too appreciate what you've accomplished.
…It pays to bring in others to help with the business- this can be a virtual assistant, a freelancer, or a permanent hire. It also helps to get yourself involved with communities of like-minded entrepreneurs so they can help encourage you during those downs.
In what ways have you found balance?
Thank you for this article. Its is my first time reading your blog I am very grateful. I am a business owner where we do Social Media marketing and web development. By profession I am a web developer and designer and I can say I keep the balance by taking 1 hr from my day to sit and be. During this moment I express gratitude to Divine for all I have achieved and all the lessons taught and learned. I also sit and smile which usually brings me to a place of peace and happiness. 🙂 I really enjoy writing and facilitate inspirational articles which I do on a weekly basis at http://www.itspossibleblog.com
Feel free to take a look and like my work at http://www.facebook.com/shanakaybarnett