Finding Balance: How to Succeed in Business and Take Care of Yourself

Starting or running a business is exciting, but it can also be hard. Many women want to be successful in their work and take care of themselves at the same time. This simple guide will help you find balance in your life so you can do both! These are my personal tried and true tips!

cindy gordon dressed in all black, sitting in a green chair with a brown floor, yellow walls and pale yellow curtains behind her.

What is Work-Life Balance?

Work-life balance means having time for your job and for yourself. It means you can work hard and still have time to relax and enjoy life. You might say that is easier said than done, but believe me, you CAN find the balance! Here are some easy steps to help you achieve this balance.

Step 1: Make a Schedule

Having a schedule helps you know what to do each day. Write down your work tasks and also time for breaks, meals, and fun activities. For example:

9:00 AM – Start work
11:00 AM – Take a short break
1:00 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – Take a walk
5:00 PM – Finish work
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Relax or spend time with family

Stick to your schedule as much as you can. This way, you know when to work and when to rest. I get it, life can get crazy! Sometimes my schedule looks different every single day, and that is okay!

Step 2: Set Goals

Setting goals helps you know what you want to achieve. Just the simple act of writing your goals down provides clarity and it is said that writing down your goals makes the achievement success rate higher! Make two types of goals: work goals and personal goals.

Work Goals:

Finish a project by the end of the week
Gain three new clients this month

Personal Goals:

Exercise three times a week
Read a book for fun

Having goals gives you something to work toward and makes it easier to balance work and life.

Step 3: Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is very important. Here are some ways to do it:

Eat Healthy Foods: Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gives you energy.
Exercise: Even a short walk can make you feel better.
Sleep: Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Relax: Do something you enjoy, like reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends.

When you feel good, you can work better and enjoy life more. I feel this is one of the most important steps! You know the saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” This is true!

Step 4: Ask for Help

You don’t have to do everything by yourself. Ask for help when you need it. This could be from family, friends, or even hiring someone to help with your business. Working with others makes tasks easier and more fun. Need help hiring a virtual assistant? Just ask, I’ve got some tips!

Step 5: Learn to Say No

Saying no can be hard, but it’s important. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. If you are too busy, it’s okay to say no to extra tasks or meetings. This gives you more time for the things that really matter.

Step 6: Use Technology Wisely

Technology can help you save time and be more organized. Use apps and tools to help with scheduling, reminders, and managing tasks. But remember, it’s also important to take breaks from screens to rest your eyes and mind. This is a big one, it seems like a no-brainer, but how many times have you caught yourself scrolling through IG reels and wondered how long you’ve been sitting there? I know I am guilty!

Step 7: Celebrate Your Successes

Take time to celebrate your successes, big and small. Did you finish a big project? Celebrate with a nice meal or a fun activity. Did you stick to your exercise plan? Treat yourself to something special. Celebrating helps you stay motivated and happy.

Step 8: Keep Learning

There is always something new to learn. Read books, take courses, or attend workshops to learn new skills. This helps you grow in your business and personal life.

Example Day in the Life of a Balanced Businesswoman

Here is an example of what a balanced day might look like:

Morning: Wake up, have a healthy breakfast, and do some exercise. Start work and focus on your top tasks.
Midday: Take a break, eat lunch, and maybe go for a short walk. Continue working, but take small breaks when needed.
Afternoon: Finish work for the day. Spend time with family or friends, do a hobby, or relax.
Evening: Have dinner, relax, and do something enjoyable before going to bed.

Remember, everyone’s balance looks different. Find what works best for you and your life.

Let’s do this!

Finding work-life balance is possible and important. By making a schedule, setting goals, taking care of yourself, asking for help, learning to say no, using technology wisely, celebrating your successes, and keeping learning, you can succeed in your business and enjoy your life. Start with small steps and keep going. You can do it!

You have the power to create a life that you love, where your business grows, and you feel happy and healthy. Start today, and remember, you are not alone. There are many women like you, finding their balance and living their dreams. You can too!