It’s no secret that building a successful small business can take over your life. Especially in the early years, you’ll be putting in long hours and expending much of your energy on making your business work. While it might feel necessary, investing absolutely everything into your business can lead to burnout and might even have you questioning why you wanted to start a business in the first place.

We built our business from the ground up, so we know how exciting and exhausting this process can be. Before you get to the point of burnout, be intentional about how you use your time and start implementing work-life balance techniques. This will help you maintain a healthy and happy life outside of work while enjoying the process of growing your business. Use the tips below to get you on the right track.

Celebrate The Wins

Life moves fast as an entrepreneur. Even when you take a major step forward like launching a new product or reaching a revenue goal, you might speed past that moment to get to the next thing that needs to be done. Instead, take some time to recognize your accomplishments. Share them with friends and family. Reward yourself for the hard work you put in. You should also regularly reflect on how far you’ve come and recognize your progress. 

Celebrating your wins will help you feel satisfaction in the path that you’ve chosen. It validates that the energy and time you’re putting into your business is actually resulting in progress. This can give you the motivation you need to reach your next goals. When times get tough, remember these moments and they will help you keep moving forward.

Rely On Your Team

You are not your business. Unless you are still operating as a solopreneur, you have a team to back you up. You hired them for a reason. You knew you couldn’t keep doing everything on your own forever, especially if you wanted your business to grow. Now, rely on them. Delegate tasks that slow down your days or keep you working late nights. Get their insights and trust them to help your business operate smoothly.

One of the main reasons that entrepreneurs become dissatisfied running their businesses is the overwhelming time commitment. They feel that if they don’t personally put every spare minute into their business, they are doing it wrong. Unfortunately, that perspective can actually hold back your business. The more you trust your team to handle operational tasks, the less you’ll be overworked, and the more energy you’ll have to dedicate to new opportunities that can lead to meaningful growth.  

(And, if you are a solopreneur, consider getting some help in the form of a Virtual Assistant. Here’s how we can make your life easier.)

Make Work Fun

Injecting fun into your workday will help you create a more engaging environment that will benefit your perspective and productivity. Consider setting aside a few minutes each morning for a creative exercise or reflection time that allows you to brainstorm new ideas. You can also incorporate elements of gamification into your tasks by turning them into challenges or friendly competitions. 

Create a comfortable and enjoyable work culture by doing bonding activities with your team that help you get to know each other better. Strive for a positive attitude at work. When you take your business too seriously, you can lose out on the moments of deep connection that come from working together. Encourage laughter and inside jokes that can make the attitude of your team more lighthearted.

Make Time For Self-Care

Finding time for self-care is crucial to maintaining your well-being and effectiveness as a business owner and leader. Start by setting boundaries and establishing a dedicated schedule for self-care activities. Add self-care to your calendar so it becomes a more concrete and ingrained routine.

Self-care doesn’t need to be time-consuming or elaborate. Even small acts like taking short breaks, practicing deep breathing exercises, or indulging in a favorite hobby during downtime can significantly contribute to rejuvenation. Prioritizing these activities will add to your satisfaction and enjoyment at work.

Pursue Your Interests Outside of Work

Don’t forget about the hobbies or interests that you enjoyed before starting a business. Leaving this part of your life behind can make you resent your business and detract from your happiness at work. Instead, see these activities as a part of your self-care routine. Maintaining a vibrant, well-rounded lifestyle will allow you to stay motivated as an entrepreneur.

The same goes for maintaining important relationships in your life. While you may have less time to dedicate to your social life when first starting your business, make sure to take a minute to check in with family and friends. Keeping your community close gives you the support you will eventually need during challenging moments on your journey.

Get Extra Help So You Can Focus On What Really Matters

Enjoying your life as a business owner comes down to being honest with yourself about how much you can take on in the different areas of your life. That might mean turning down business opportunities so that you can prioritize your well-being or personal life. If you find yourself torn between what to prioritize, the best solution might be getting extra support in your business.

A Virtual Assistant can add hours to your day by handling tedious tasks like email management and scheduling. They have expertise in assisting entrepreneurs like you and are skilled at identifying the best ways to support your goals personally and professionally. With a Virtual Assistant backing you up, you will have more time in your day to focus on what really matters.

Find out how a Virtual Assistant can help you enjoy your life as a business owner by scheduling a free consultation.