Keeping our business and personal lives separate is a major issue for many business owners, especially home-based ones. Without clear, defined boundaries, each aspect can easily bleed into the other making both a muddy mess. In addition, there’s always a feeling of some distracting energy nearby pulling at our attention and reducing the intensity of focus necessary for important projects.
As business owners, we need to protect our businesses from the onslaught of the drama of our personal lives. I can’t tell you how many businesses I’ve observed that are sabotaged constantly by the need to put out personal fires. And it never ends. It becomes an insidious habit that breaks down both the business and the business owner. Under the weight of ongoing personal baggage, if left untended, most businesses will ultimately be crushed.
What to do?
- Create a plan and a schedule for the week and stick to it. Ideally do this on Sunday evening or first thing Monday morning before the week officially starts.
- Let the people in your life know when you’re available and when you’re not. Many people don’t take business ownership seriously, and because you’re working for yourself, don’t think you’re working and will call you “just to chat” during business hours. It’s up to you to let people know that you need this time to work.
- Limit the amount of time you spend responding to email and the phone. It puts you at the mercy of other people’s agendas rather than your own. It is reactive rather than pro-active.
- Make a commitment to spend a block of time everyday working on important projects that move your business forward. it’s not going to get there without you and no one’s going to do it for you. Time spent this way will be extremely productive and give you a strong sense of accomplishment and momentum.
- So that everything isn’t piled onto the weekend, set aside some time for personal tasks during the week. This will give you a feeling of having more balance in your life.
- If you get derailed by some event in your personal life, don’t let it take you down too far. Take some time to assess where you are and what needs to be done and then get back on track as soon as you’re able. All businesses have their ups and downs and yours is no exception.
Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and keep your business life away from your personal life as well. When you’re done with work, leave it behind. It will be there when you return. Otherwise, you will wear yourself out and not be someone people want to be around. You'll be so much more refreshed and ready to work, if you’ve really had a break from your business.
Put your baggage down. Travel lightly between your business and personal worlds. Both will be much better for it.
