7 Intentions for Work/Life Balance.
7 Intentions for Work/Life Balance.
“In 10 years from now you’ll surely arrive. The question is where?”
Tony Robbins
Taking your idea from concept to completion is not only a wonderful adventure, but just plain hard work. Your time energy and money are stretch to the limit, yet you still get out of bed each morning ready for another day of challenges and joy (each day full of one or the other). Each day full of intent to succeed.
Your intent needs to be clear and to do that you need to take care of yourself. Having clarity on your WHY gets your started, and HOW is mor about goals and objectives which we’ll discuss later in this series.
As an Entrepreneur, you are faced with market changes, technology changes, peoples buying habits changing and a Pandemic. You need to be able to cope and react while thinking of your WHY, and what changes might be needed for continued success. Back to your intent.
Your daily habits may have change as well. Consider these 7 intentions for your well being and work/life balance that supports your why.
1. Read More Books – Work/Life
Whether you enjoy “dime novels” or trade publications, by reading ore you learn more. And learning a new skill or exploring new ideas will benefit your business.
Reading for fun might give you a channel for realizing the stress from your day and help with your work/life balance.
2. Take A Course – Work
Being an Entrepreneur requires constant learning or improving your skills relevant to your industry. One new online course each year will help you stay current and spark new ideas for your business.
Review your SWOT analysis and find your weaknesses. Challenge yourself to a training on how to overcome them and improve your mindset.
3. Work on Time Management – Work/Life
Planners, Daybooks, Bullet Journals all provide support for time management. But just putting it on paper doesn’t “make it so”. It takes focus and a constant need to ask yourself – “Does this activity or focus support my why?
That means you might tell the person seeking your time you’ll
“check your calendar” when you’re really going to Journal your thoughts and make sure the task or meeting meets your WHY. Don’t be afraid to say no. And don’t be afraid to tell them why. Being known for your WHY should be part of your journey.
4. Only handle that piece of paper once!
That includes digital papers as well. You need to read it and respond to the sender. If possible, do it right now. Someone is waiting for your response and instead of a clear mind later – while you’re working out or walking the beach – you don’t want to realize you haven’t responded. Responding right away, even if it is just an acknowledgement of receipt, respect the sender and give them a sense of when they’ll hear back from you.
5. Work On Your Sales Skills – Work
Every Entrepreneur is in the business of selling, whether you’re selling a product or service. This is an opportunity to focus your pitch around your why.
What is your passion; What do you provide to solve a problem; How does that fit your WHY?
Write your current pitch in your journal. Leave it for a few days, then go back and evaluate it. Does it respond to “What Do You Do?” If not rewrite. If it does, practice it. Be able to stand in front of a mirror and recite it with the passion that moves you.
6. Work On Your People Skills – Work/Life
Communicating with Family, friends and customers is critical to your success.
Identify your best method of communication.
Has it been effective?
How are your presentation skills?
Are your prepared to present your pitch at your Chamber or Rotary lunch?
Seek a course or video online about public speaking.
Practice listening more and talking less.
Write in your journal every day. Both reading and writing support skill improvement.
7. Focus On Your Health- Life
Being an Entrepreneur is one of the most physically and mentally demanding occupations on the planet. Being healthy needs intentional attention.
Getting some exercise, eating real food, and getting enough rest are vital to your success.
Are you eating too much processed and fast foods? Calendar a lunch break – for proper food intake and at least 15 minutes of down time.
Do you get some fresh air and exercise each day? Calendar an afternoon 15-minute walk. Even if it’s up and down the stairs in your work building or up and down your street.
Are you always tired? You should get 7 hours of sleep nightly.
If you’re getting good sleep but are still tired, you might consult with your doctor about an allergy test.
Find Your Work/Life Balance
Try incorporating at least one of these intentions into your 2022 routine. The more you invest in yourself the more you’ll have to offer your family and customers.
Finding your balance (your Zen) will help you stay back from your emotional/mental breaking point. Finding your peaceful center requires honest self-talk. Here are 9 ways you can find your work/life balance.
- Admit how you feel – Use your journal to write about it.
- Take a deep breath – close your eyes and breathe deep.
- Ask for help – don’t be ashamed to ask. Anger Management is important.
- Unplug your gadgets – the more you balance your real time with Social Media the better you’ll be. Evaluate the channels you are following and decide if they really help or hinder your mental health.
- Do something that nourishes you – Knitter’s love to roam the yarn sections; handymen love to wander through the tool isles for new gadgets; professionals love to find new planners and calendars. What nourishes you?
- Embrace a shift toward positivity – This is a great place to insert a Gratitude Journal in your life. They come in all sizes and styles.
- Ask yourself – “What would leadership look like in this situation?”
- Look to your Strengths in your SWOT Analysis to guide you. Think about those and ignore the rest (for the moment).
- And the most important question to ask yourself – “What triggers my breaking point?” Learn to recognize your triggers and alert yourself to not responding. It takes time and intent, but you’ll learn to listen to yourself. No one knows you as well as you do!
“When we get intentional about the life we want to live, the kind of person we want to be; the business success we want to have; then we are far more likely to create the business and life of our dreams.”
Carrie Green Author – She Means Business
Let me know if you need help finding your center and intentions.