Make Time for Yourself as an Entrepreneur

Posted in Entrepreneurship, Time Management | 16 comments

Managing your own successful business is the fulfillment of a dream. You stick around for all the days of the week and all of the days in a year. You have to make sure of your business growth and see an increase in your profit. Your business is your blood and bones. Since it has become your life, you do whatever it takes to keep everything as smooth as possible; so much so that you start to forget about your own well-being.

Can you see it? You’re happy and proud, yet at the same time, exhausted. You barely sleep for more than 4 hours since you’re too preoccupied with your project by working on your website, creating that marketing plan, and so much more.

But if you’re working non-stop and burning the midnight oil, there will come a time that your body, mind and spirit will simply have a hard time keeping up.

Perhaps you struggle with fear. You fear that your business will fail if you don’t work on it every minute of the day. This is likely the reason why you’re giving all your time and energy to maintain or achieve that lifelong success.

Time off can be vital and also good for you. You need some time off to clear your head, relax and distance yourself from your business.

Working long hours can actually beat up your immune system. You need to recover from the daily stress and take care of yourself.

Here are ways on how busy entrepreneurs can make time for themselves and make their vacations work:

1. Schedule personal time

Ensure that you set a schedule for your personal time and not just work. Add this in your daily and weekly schedule. Make personal time part of your daily routine. It can be reading an enjoyable book for 30 minutes, a daily exercise, lunch with your partner, a movie day with your family, a weekend social night or even an annual vacation.  Give time to those activities that give value to your life. It allows you to recharge and it lets you have something to look forward to. Motivate yourself not to cancel this personal time you have set.

2. Take your break

When you reach that stopping point – replied to all emails, talked to suppliers, submitted that proposal, or anything else, take your break. You can take a walk to the restroom, take a 10-minute power nap, or eat your sandwich at the pantry. Stepping away from your desk will recharge your mind and body. This enables you to take a fresh approach to the next task that you need to handle.

3. Set boundaries

It is already 1:00 a.m. and you are still wide-awake. You are trying to finish all of those clients who need a project estimate or proposal. Remember, not everything is a rush and you will not lose those clients if you do not respond during odd hours. Set your working hours and stick to that. It is unhealthy to be on-call all the time. When your working time is up, just stop for the day. While there may still be a few more things, you need to finish, it is important to include time for yourself and your family. You’ll be a better entrepreneur if you can have time for yourself on a regular basis.

4. Reward yourself

Give yourself a reward for doing a great job. Reap and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You deserve it! Don’t forget about having a life. Doing so will make you feel the “burn out” in the long run. Treat yourself to a day at the salon, get a massage, have fun with your family and friends, but most importantly, schedule that much needed annual vacation and go someplace else.

Remember that one reason why you choose to be an entrepreneur is to be in control of your life. Therefore, do not be a slave and allow your business to take all of your time and energy.

As your business grows, taking some time off and getting a vacation is a reminder that life is working great for you. Squeeze personal time and vacation into your busy schedule. It is a matter of unplugging yourself temporarily from the business environment.  When you get back, you’ll find more clarity, see things differently and bring fresh ideas into your business.

Looking to find ways to set aside time for yourself while running a business? Pamela Finnesand, ‘The Business Maximizer’, can assist you. Schedule your complimentary Business Breakthrough Strategy Session today!