One of the questions female entrepreneurs and career women always get asked is, “How can I manage my family life and business without losing myself in the routine?”
Balancing businesses and family seems almost impossible, especially when there are children in the picture. It is however not impossible to have both a successful family life and a successful business. The most important thing is understanding your priorities and making conscious efforts to see that none suffer, making up for it when there are lapses.
Managing a family is like managing an organization and it is crucial not to underestimate either one and to put as much into improving and developing your skill set in your home as you do at work, applying this as best as you can.
If you are new to this juggling act and looking for tips on how to handle family and your career, here are five ways to handle family and business like a true boss lady.
1. Planning
Everything comes down to planning when you are trying to ensure both a successful business and family life. Both sides require planning long term and short term. It is important to identify your priorities, goals, deadlines, and timelines.
Create a to-do list every day as well as create, keep, and update a calendar and you are sure to thrive. You will be motivated by how much you get to tick off your list and this will push you to do more. You also reduce the risk of having some tasks fall through the cracks.
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2. Use technology
Technology is a great tool for managing your tasks and to assist you with your planning. This ranges from communication to financial planning, exercise apps, and tools such as calendars and calculators. Try to delegate as much to technology as possible. It hardly ever disappoints. Also, work with platforms and devices you are familiar with to increase your efficiency.
3. Build and utilize networks
Support is an essential factor in ensuring the right balance of family and business. It is important to have a supportive partner and family, friends and allies at work and at home. The right team will help ensure that nothing suffers while you are devoting time to the other. Build a team of trustworthy and effective members whom you are not afraid to delegate work to and you are sure to have your back.
4. Say no
Learn to say no to tasks you cannot accomplish on time. As a strong and accomplished woman, it is one of the pitfalls that you want to take on everything and get as many things done as possible but sometimes, you just have to let some things go for the sake of the other. Opportunity cost and forgone alternatives are not just in business but also in life.
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5. Personal time
Having time for yourself is probably the most critical tip you will ever read. It is hard to run your business and family life when you are feeling dried up and worn out. Make time for yourself to relax, exercise, have fun, and take care of yourself. You are a better you when you are refreshed and energized.
If you are currently struggling with balancing and reaching your full potential, apply these tips for the next month or so and see if you are not slaying the damn thing all the way!