7 Tips Entrepreneurs Need to Gain Balance
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Posted By: Shauntae Jordan on September 29, 2011 As a self-made business owner, what do you personally find are key factors to balancing personal obligations with business endeavors without the two bumping heads? Cherie, HBCU Member Wow, what an excellent question! I am currently working through numerous projects, business ideas, family matters and working for myself. The process of balancing becomes a true act. As a self-made business owner the pressure to succeed, lead, and develop weigh heavily upon my shoulders. Often times I find that one shoulder is weaker than the other creating an out-of-balance experience. The question you raised is one that I have been trying to answer for quite some time. At one point in life I was only responsible for the well-being of myself. Just over a short-time frame of ten years, my roles and responsibilities have expanded. I am an entrepreneur, a mommy, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a business partner and the list could go on and on. I know there are many people just like me who will appreciate a few tools and tips that I have discovered to maintain my sanity. I must warn you that I have not mastered this balancing act; it is a constant learning experience that helps build my frame. Tip 1: Make sure that your business goals and your family goals align. Establish a mission statement and vision statement for your family. It is important to frame this statement and keep it visible for the entire family to see. This process may take some time and may need to be revisited often. Tip 2: Encourage each family member to have a role in your business. It doesn’t matter how big or small the role is. It is very important to make sure that the business adds value to each individual in the family. When in the development phase of your business it will require much time. Express this to your family and share with them your daily progress. Tip 3: Be sure to take time for you. I am a true believer that you are the foundation. As the foundation everything is dependent upon your strength. As a business owner you are the visionary; without you there is no vision. As a wife and a mother or a husband and a father you are the source of love, guidance, and authority. Therefore, when you are out of balance there is a possibility that your entire family will follow suit. It is important to assess yourself weekly. How do you feel? Are you stressed? What are your fears? Where are in the balance of life? Are there areas you need to let go? Once you take time for you spiritually, physically and emotionally all your counterparts will easily align and adjust to your behavior. Tip 4: Write a list of your responsibilities. Begin to prioritize those items that are most important. Do not try to do everything in one day. There are seven days in the wee, began to match the priorities to each day of the week. Eventually you will begin to find more time to spend with family, friends (not just cyber friends), and participate in activities that bring you pleasure. Tip 5: Navigate your resources. Check your phone and locate those persons who promised that they would be there for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The problem with most entrepreneurs is, we love to have our hands in everything. There are numerous resources available that will provide you with administrative help, childcare, budgeting, or small household duties. Tip 6: Don’t overextend yourself. I have found more and more as an entrepreneur people like to waste your time. I attended six meetings last month that did not attribute to my success. Don’t get me wrong I am not in business just for myself, but time wasters hurt the possibility of helping others who truly need your attention. It is okay to say “No.” There is a greater respect from people when you are honest, rather than wasting time pretending to be interested. Tip 7: Learn from your experience. Balancing is an act for certain. Balancing has many scenes some are funny, sad, stupid, loving and annoying. The greatest way to avoid becoming overwhelmed is to indulge in the moment. Embrace every mistake, every setback, and every time waster. For each of these acts create the movie of success. As stated before, I am not a pro in the balancing act of life. I have learned to take each day in strides. When I become overwhelm or frustrated I move away from the situation and become still. During the quiet moments of your stillness you will be able to find the Author of your life and the story of you will unfold. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Shauntae Jordan
CEO, LIFE COACH, SPEAKER, AUTHOR, SMJ SPEAKS, LLC Winston-Salem State University class of 2002 Member Since May 2011 |
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