Take Time to Focus
Oi! If you work full-time, have a family and are managing a part-time business like I am, then you know how challenging it can be to find and maintain a feeling of balance in your life.
Yes, you want to grow your business, but you also want time with family and friends. Yes, you want to develop that next product but you also want time to exercise. Yes, you want to promote your business, but you also want time to explore new own interests.
UGH!
I’ve been experiencing this emotional-time-based roller coaster for quite a while. Life balance is so important to me. But it is really challenging to maintain.
But I haven’t given up. Instead I’m trying something new. If it works, my problem is solved. If it doesn’t, I’ll keep trying to find a way.
So here’s what I’m doing based on my three nights on, three nights off work schedule…
On my first day off I’ll do the housework, laundry and other chores that don’t require a high level of brain power.
On the second day off I’ll focus on my business… I’ll be writing, developing and perfecting presentations, and marketing my business.
On the third day off I’ll spend time with friends and family members and pursue new interests. This will be a relax and enjoy day.
On the first day back to work (I’ll have until about 1 p.m. available to me) I’ll focus on my business again.
Here’s what I’m hoping to accomplish…
By setting aside specific chore time I won’t have to worry about fitting those things in between other business or fun activities. I pride myself on my multi-tasking abilities, but in the past, this may have worked against me by robbing my focus.
By setting aside specific business focus time I should be able to get into the business mindset and do what needs to be done. I’ll know that I’ve set aside time to play so I can just stay focused on my business goals.
By setting aside specific fun and social time I will be able to enjoy it guilt-free because I’ll know that I already took care of business.
This week has been my first week of putting this new plan in to practice. How’s it going you might ask? So far so good.
On Wednesday I did the chores (cleaned the bathrooms, kitchen, living room and folded all the clothes)…
On Thursday I finalize my new one-page sheet that includes my presentation topics and uploaded it to my website. I updated my workshops web page and finished the February issue of A Swan’s Song. I created a new podcast, wrote a blog entry and sent an e-mail to a potential client.
Today I’ll be meeting a new friend for breakfast (after I shop for groceries) and then visiting another friend after that. In the afternoon I may sit on the couch and watch a movie.
Saturday I’ll take a few hours to write up a book report on one of the many books I’ve read. That is an idea I’ve been wanting to implement for several months. On Saturday, I’ll get it started. I’m so psyched!
Aahhh… I think this new schedule has real possibilies. I’m sure I’ll need to tweak it as I go, but if the basic structure proves to be sound, a little tweaking will only make it stronger.
How do you find time to focus on all that you want to accomplish? I’d love to hear your ideas. Send me a note or comment on this entry.
