English 
As a woman entrepreneur, it can be hard to balance work and life. Whether you’re a mom trying to keep track of busy kids schedules and run a business or you’re a career woman trying to take your side-hustle full-time, it can often feel like the give and take of balancing your career with your life is more like tug of war, and you’re caught somewhere in the middle. Fortunately, there are several ways to make balancing work and life a lot less challenging.
#1. Set Realistic Expectations
It is important to remember that there are only 24 hours in the day. You can get a lot done in that time, but that won’t always be the case. Sometimes family has to come before business, and sometimes business matters just have to be a priority. If you find yourself feeling that you can’t keep up with everything on your to-do list, remember that expectations are meant to be flexible. By staying flexible you will find yourself significantly less stressed, and in turn will help you feel significantly more balanced.
#2 Keep healthy habits
While it can be easy to prioritize work, family, or personal obligations, it is just as important to remember to stay healthy. Taking a lunch break can keep you energized all afternoon and clearing your head with an after-work walk can help you destress after a long day. Healthy habits are not only good for the body, but they are good for the mind. By keeping healthy habits you will be better prepared to balance everything work and life may throw your way.
#3 Set boundaries – and stick to them.
There is nothing wrong with setting boundaries. By turning off your work phone while enjoying happy hour with friends or having another team mom drive your child to the out-of-town baseball game so you can rework your business’ marketing strategy, you are admitting that you just can’t juggle everything, and that is okay. Boundaries are meant to help you, and by sticking to set boundaries you can allow yourself to be fully present in the current moment, whether work or personal.
#4 Do something just for you
When was the last time you did something just for yourself? It is important to prioritize yourself, especially when work and personal life seem to be demanding your full attention constantly. Consider what it is that will make you happy, and make that a priority. This could look like a weekly yoga class, 30 minutes of reading before bed, or saving up to splurge on that pair of power heels to make you feel like your most confident self.
#5 Reassess your calendar
Taking time to check in on your schedule should be a regular priority for any entrepreneur. Find a system that works for you – whether that is a hand-written planner or the digital calendar on your phone – and commit to keeping everything on your schedule. Family dinner? Schedule that. Afternoon conference call? Schedule that too. Teacher appreciation gift? Schedule some time to shop. By scheduling everything you need to get done, you will be able to look at that schedule and figure out what is and what isn’t working for you. This process can keep you from over-scheduling because you will know when you are over-scheduling yourself instead of trying to keep it all in your head.
#6 Be willing to accept help
You are not a one-woman show. Asking for or accepting help does not make you a bad professional, bad mom or bad partner. Take advantage of a neighbor or nearby relative that is willing to babysit. Ask your spouse to prepare dinner a few nights per week. Consider taking on a business partner or automating work where you can so that you can free up more time for your loved ones.
#7 Make the most of it
At the end of the day, you are taking on more than most, so be proud of it! It takes a lot to run your own business and juggle family and friends at the same time. Stop treating everything as your responsibility, implement necessary methods to find a balance in your business and your personal life.
#8 Connect with Support Groups
Do you have other methods of balancing your career and your personal responsibilities? Join Networking in High Heels and check us out on social media to never miss a post!
By implementing some or all of these methods into your daily life, you can work toward finding a balance as a woman entrepreneur. Balance equals the ability to succeed in both life and business without stretching yourself beyond your limits.
