As project managers, entrepreneurs, and business owners, we all have busy lives. Life is a balance to begin with, but throw owning, operating, and managing a business on top of it all and now you’ve really got to find a balance.
Perhaps the biggest balance entrepreneurs seek to reach is between work and personal lives. So this begs the question, how can project managers, entrepreneurs, and business owners achieve this balance?
The Methodology Behind Balance. As project managers, we are almost programmed to multitask. It’s in our nature. In fact, many project managers even have their own methodologies on how to balance both areas of life. This might mean juggling more than one job, or being a stay-at-home parent while working as an entrepreneur—which is a common choice for many women entrepreneurs—or setting specific days a week for certain clients, appointments, or accounting.
While these are all great approaches to balancing work, business, and clients, what about your personal life? If you are a stay-at-home parent, and your children are old enough to attend school, that is one thing. But what about time for, well, you? Some entrepreneurs will pick one night a week where they shut down the laptop early and go grab dinner with family or friends, or go to the movies, the gym, or just relax.
It’s easy for project managers and entrepreneurs to work and work and work until they can’t keep their eyes open any longer, day after day, night after night. But while this might be incredibly productive, it’s not exactly the healthiest approach. Remember that while you might love what you do, you also deserve a little you time. Schedule a day each week for personal time.
Recognize the Biggest Challenges. …And strive to overcome them. What are your biggest challenges? Time management? Resources? Work and child care? In order to ensure survival—for business and yourself—it’s time to overcome whatever you struggle with the most.
While working as a project manager or entrepreneur can be flexible and convenient, especially if you set your own hours or work from home, being an entrepreneur or an independent contractor comes with its own set of challenges. Even with an improving economy, it can still be tough just to survive.
Aside from the balance between business, projects, and your personal life, everyone has his or her own personal challenge, whether that is managing money, time management, or organization. Each project manager or entrepreneur has his or her own individual personality, strengths and weaknesses, and characteristics that make him or her successful…or fail.
Improving oneself in the world of project management and business, recognizing his or her faults and strengths, and overcoming challenges can pave the way for success.
