Entrepreneurs are often told to strive for balance. As if a harmonious union between their work and home life exists—they just need to work a little harder to find it.
Perhaps the reason so many entrepreneurs find balance so elusive is because both business and personal relationships cycle through busy and not so busy times. These constant ups and downs are sure to throw off even the most astute equilibrium, and perhaps a better word to help entrepreneurs get closer to ‘balance’ is boundaries.
Here are some tips entrepreneurs can use to have it all: a flourishing personal and professional life.
A Clear Understanding of the Importance of Each
Your business cannot nourish your soul and spirit in the same way your relationship does.
It will not hold you and reassure you that everything will be okay after you receive some unsettling news. It will not make you laugh at its jokes, or take you on a drive to get coffee and stroll around the lake on a crisp fall day.
But on the flip side, your relationship doesn’t pay the bills, or tap into that industrious side that thrives in creating something that benefits society—lighting you up in the process.
Both your business and relationship feed different yet equally important parts of you, and in order to feel balanced, it’s important to not let one permanently supersede the other.
Set Aside Time for Both
For entrepreneurs, establishing a set schedule or never ‘clocking out’ can be tricky. If you’re in the early stages of your business the workload can fluctuate, which means creating a schedule at the beginning of each week is a good idea.
The reason why drafting and sticking to a schedule is so important is otherwise, you’re never really off the clock.
“Let me check these emails really quick,” usually results in your loved one feeling neglected, because the next thing 3-hours has gone by, and the Saturday you planned to spend together is already halfway over.
By clearly delineating work and personal time and adhering to that schedule, you’re better able to show up for both.
Communicate
Odds are your partner is your number one fan, and is supportive and proud of your industriousness and achievements. Yet that doesn’t mean they don’t still want to spend time with you.
This is where communication comes into play. If you have a busy week, let them know beforehand. While working, don’t forget to check in with a text or meme—any gesture that shows them you’re thinking about them.
Give them input into your calendar. Schedule a dinner, a walk, a chance to connect. Listen to them when they tell you you’re working too much, or they miss you and would love to get away for the weekend…
Schedule Dates Regularly
If it’s not on the schedule, you’re less likely to do it. This goes for romantic intimate moments too. Yes, spontaneity is great—but it becomes all too fleeting after long workdays, when the fatigue sets in and even a decision about the show you’d like to watch feels like a challenge.
Be Present and Connect
When you’re spending time with your love, be present. Set down the phone. Let them know how you’re feeling, and listen to them as well.
Sometimes, they can be an excellent sounding board for you. If you’re stubbornly pushing yourself and are exhausted all the time, they’ll likely be the ones to tell you you’re working way too hard and could benefit from some time off.
Set and Stick to Your Boundaries
Be clear with your boundaries. When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. Establish your work hours ahead of time, and during those hours, work.
If you don’t, it’s easy to exist in this nebulous undetermined space where you are sort of working, but are also somewhat distracted and doing other things. Thus, you’re never really off the clock, and you’re not really present in the relationship, either.
The goal is to thrive as an entrepreneur while simultaneously existing in a thriving relationship. This is achievable when you set aside time for each.
When you’re with your spouse, be present, have fun, and listen. As exciting as being an entrepreneur may be, don’t let it consume you.
Don’t take your relationship for granted.
Begin Couples Counseling in the Sacramento Area:
If you are ready to learn how to deal with the problems in your relationship, the therapists at The Relationship Therapy Center in Fair Oaks, CA and Roseville, CA can help! Our therapists are ready to support you and your partner in your journey towards creating a healthy and happy relationship. To begin marriage counseling in Roseville, CA area, or marriage counseling in Fair Oaks, please follow these three simple steps:
- Contact our counseling office to get more information about couples counseling and to schedule a free consultation.
- Make an appointment with one of our Gottman Method trained therapists.
- Find support and healing in your relationship!
Other Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to couples counseling, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples counseling services include: Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, couples therapy retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, anxiety treatment, trauma therapy, teen therapy, therapy for children, codependency counseling, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. We also offer online counseling to California residents. Please contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you and your loved ones.