We always hear talk about the "work-life balance"...being able to juggle business and the work that comes with it along with our personal lives.
However, as a mompreneur, is it really possible to balance running a business with family life: the schoolwork, cooking, cleaning, AND quality time with our kids and/or partner?
Many mompreneurs will argue that the work-life balance doesn't actually exist...that there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything that they need to do without feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or burnt out.
And while there is no "one size fits all" approach to creating a work-life balance, there are a few ways that you can get closer to it without losing your sanity:
1. Create More Time
Okay, this one may sound crazy and you're probably thinking to yourself, "But that's the exact problem...there IS no time." In most cases, time itself isn't the issue-- it's just simply breaking out of our routine and making the most out of the 24 hours we have.
While I'm not a morning person at ALL, I know that the second my son wakes up, all opportunities to laser-focus on any activity goes right out of the window. So I set my alarm to go off at 6am every morning when I know he'll still be asleep, and I use that time to get a quick workout in before knocking out other tasks that are difficult to do while he is awake.
Setting your alarm to wake up even just an hour earlier than you are accustomed to will give you an extra hour to work on your business without distractions. Or, if getting up in the morning isn't your thing, commit to staying up extra hour or more after you put the kids to bed to dedicate to getting things done.
2. Time Block Your Day
Whether you have a physical planner or you use Google Calendar, take the time to map out each day, the things you need to do, and the hours that you'll need to devote to doing them. Determine your non-negotiables (i.e. client calls, client projects, scheduled family events) and make dedicated time blocks for each of those activities.
Time blocking not only makes it easy for you to focus on one thing at a time, but also having it scheduled and right in front of you provides a sense of accountability and ensures that it actually gets done.
3. Hire Help
If keeping your children entertained is keeping you from getting things done, consider bringing in someone to help entertain them for a few hours a day. One of my very first jobs as a teenager was to care for and entertain the children of a local mom while she gave piano lessons to students in another area of the home. Doing so allowed her to focus 100% on her clients while her kids were at home...and she didn't break the bank while doing so.
If the house duties are taking away from the time you need to focus on your business and family, hire someone to come in and do it for you. Save the time that you spend going to the grocery store each week and instead have your groceries delivered directly to your door.
If completing certain tasks in your business is the problem, consider hiring a virtual assistant to take the smaller tasks off of your plate while you tackle the larger ones. That way, you can complete more things in a smaller time frame and spend more of your free time with your family.
4. Involve Your Kids in Your Work
This may seem counterproductive, but try involving your child in the work you do!
When appropriate, ask them for their opinion on something you are working on. Show them something that you've created and ask if they like it. If they are old enough, ask them to help with some of the tasks in exchange for an allowance.
Doing so not only gives them the attention that they need and deserve, but it also gives them a boost of self-esteem as they help you with something they know is important. (P.S.: It may also encourage them to become future business owners!)
5. Make Time for Yourself
Whether its taking some time out for some fresh air and exercise, treating yourself to a spa day, or taking yourself out for lunch, make sure to take some time out for YOU.
As a mompreneur, it's so easy to dedicate all of your time and energy to our businesses and our families that you can forget to take care of the #1 thing that is making all of the above possible: YOU.
Caring for yourself is important to maintaining the healthy mind and body that you need to give your all in both your business and family life. Get in the habit of scheduling YOU time at least once a week.
6. Give Yourself Grace
Last but not least, the most important thing is to give yourself grace. Understand that it's not uncommon to feel a little overwhelmed at times and it does not mean that you are failing at business or being a parent. No one said it was easy...and if it were, we'd ALL be mompreneurs!
The important thing is to remember your "why"-- why are you doing what you do and who you are doing it for. Continue doing the best you can and the rest will come naturally.
You've got this, mama!