Over the holidays we can sometimes catch ourselves wondering about our work-life balance. As business owners, we can often feel like we sacrifice a lot of our personal time to growing the business.
That’s not always a terrible thing. It can be smart to make sacrifices now for a bigger payoff later.
But there’s a caveat to this advice: it has diminishing returns. Some sacrifice can be good, but, as with most things, balance is key.
So, take a moment now to stop and think about where you’re currently at in terms of your work-life balance. Is there some room for improvement? Do you need to make some tough calls to improve your quality of life?
Unfortunately, burnout is a very real threat for business owners, especially sole traders, who have to bear all the pressure and stress of running the business. Add to this, that even just trying to take a well-earned break can be a mission, because you’ve got no one to delegate to, and it can all end up being too much. This is just as much a real threat to your business as competition and changes in the NZ economy.
Have regular work-life balance audits
We’ve put together a few questions to help you check-in with yourself and make sure you haven’t veered too far from a healthy work-life balance. Hopefully, this can help you save your sanity, save the important things in your personal life and, by extension, save your business (and if you need to save on a website, hosting or domains, you’ve come to the right place!).
1 – Do you have clear boundaries?
Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential. Define specific working hours and stick to them as closely as possible. This helps create a structured routine and prevents work from encroaching on your precious personal time. Communicate these boundaries with others, including clients, to foster understanding and respect for your off-duty hours.
2 – How good are you at prioritising and delegating?
Learn to prioritise tasks based on their urgency and importance. Not every task requires immediate attention, and recognising this can alleviate unnecessary stress. Delegate tasks when possible, whether at work or home, and trust others to share the load. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, both on the job and in your personal life.
3 – Do you take mindful breaks from your work?
Taking breaks during the workday is crucial for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Use your breaks wisely by stepping away from your workspace, going for a short walk, or engaging in activities that bring you joy. Avoid the temptation to fill every moment with work-related tasks. Refreshing breaks contribute to increased productivity and a more positive mindset.
4 – Have you learned to say no?
Overcommitting is a surefire way to tip the scales towards work dominating your life. It’s okay to decline additional tasks or responsibilities if you feel overwhelmed. By learning to say no, you prioritise your existing commitments and ensure that you can deliver your best work without spreading yourself too thin.
5 – How’s your investment in self-care?
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s regular exercise, reading a book, pursuing a hobby, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, prioritise activities that recharge your mental and emotional batteries. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for sustained productivity and a fulfilling life.
Remember, work-life balance is a dynamic and personal journey. Tailor these tips to fit your unique circumstances and be flexible as your needs evolve. Striking the right balance requires intention, self-awareness, and a commitment to nurturing both your professional and personal well-being.
You are the most valuable asset in your business
We’ve talked before about how business owners (especially small business owners) often don’t value their own time (and, sadly, sometimes their health or personal relationships). If you feel like that’s happening in your case then it’s time to take action. If you don’t, you jeopardise a lot more than just the business, and as great as a successful business is, achieving that at all costs just isn’t worth it.
Speaking of time, thinking of getting a website for your business in 2024? Or maybe your current website needs a good refresh? We can save you a lot of time when it comes to sorting out your website with our one-stop option – get everything in one place, domain, hosting and website (including ecommerce options), all for one low price, and the best part is we can do most of the work for you, giving you back more of your precious time.
Get in touch today, and let’s get started.