When I first started my business, I quickly realized that success doesn’t come from working harder, but from working smarter. Managing family, business, and life in general is not easy—especially when you’re trying to do it all. As a mother, wife, and business owner, I’ve had my share of challenges.
However, I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way about how to juggle these roles without losing myself in the process. Today, I want to share some of those lessons with you, because if I can do it, you can too.
The Myth of Work-Life Balance
Let’s get one thing straight: the idea of perfect work-life balance is a myth. There’s no magic formula for dividing your time equally between your business and personal life. I’ve tried it, and it left me feeling more overwhelmed. Instead, I’ve learned to shift my focus toward prioritization. It’s about recognizing what matters most at any given moment, whether it’s finishing a project, attending a school event, or taking time for yourself.
One thing I’ve found to be incredibly helpful is accepting that not everything needs to be done right away. Sometimes, certain tasks take priority, and that’s okay. As women, we often feel like we need to be superheroes, but here’s the truth: It’s okay to let some things slide while you give attention to what really matters. In fact, that’s the essence of prioritizing.
Setting Boundaries: The Foundation of Balance
When you’re managing family and running a business, setting boundaries is key. Early on in my entrepreneurial journey, I found myself saying “yes” to every opportunity, project, and even personal request. I thought that was the path to success. But what ended up happening was burnout, stress, and frustration.
Now, I’ve learned to set clear boundaries, both in my personal and professional life. I define specific work hours and stick to them, which means when I’m with my family, I’m fully present. I also teach my clients to respect those boundaries. When you set clear expectations, not only does it help you manage your time better, but it also helps others understand when and how they can access your energy.
The Power of a Well-Organized Schedule
One of my favorite tools for managing family and business is time blocking. If you haven’t heard of it, time blocking is simply assigning specific hours in your day to certain tasks. I schedule my work tasks during the hours when I know I’ll be the most focused. For me, that’s after I’ve had my morning coffee and before the kids come home from school. Similarly, I block out time for family activities and even personal time to recharge.
In addition to time blocking, I’m a big fan of lists. Every night, I write down my top three priorities for the next day. I focus on completing those tasks first before anything else gets added to my plate. This small change has made a big difference in how productive I feel. I no longer end the day wondering where the time went or feeling like I didn’t accomplish anything.
Delegation: You Don’t Have to Do It All
I’ll admit it—I used to think that delegating was a sign of weakness. I was the type of person who wanted to control every aspect of my business and my household. But as my business grew and my family responsibilities increased, I realized that I couldn’t do it all. More importantly, I didn’t have to.
Delegating is now one of my secret weapons. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks or asking my spouse to take care of dinner, delegation allows me to focus on what I’m really good at. Plus, it frees up time to spend with my family or take a well-deserved break. Trust me, letting go of the small stuff is liberating.
Managing Family and Business: The Non-Negotiables
As women, we’re often told that we can “have it all.” And while I believe that’s true, I also believe in defining what “having it all” means to you. For me, it’s about creating a life where I feel fulfilled both at home and in my business. However, there are a few non-negotiables that I stick to when it comes to managing family and business.
First, I prioritize family time. No matter how busy my day is, I make it a point to have dinner with my family or spend quality time with them in the evening. This simple act grounds me and reminds me why I’m doing what I’m doing.
Second, I make time for self-care. As business owners, it’s easy to put ourselves last, but I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe, self-care is essential for both your personal well-being and your success as an entrepreneur.
Lastly, I make decisions based on what aligns with my long-term goals. There will always be opportunities and distractions that pull you in different directions. When I’m faced with a tough decision, I ask myself, “Does this align with my priorities?” If the answer is no, I give myself permission to say no. This simple mindset shift has allowed me to stay focused and achieve more in both my business and personal life.
Give Yourself Grace
At the end of the day, managing family, business, and everything in between is a constant learning process. Some days, you’ll feel like you’ve got it all figured out, and other days you’ll wonder how you’re going to make it through. But here’s the most important thing I’ve learned: Give yourself grace.
It’s okay if some days don’t go as planned. It’s okay if the laundry piles up or if a work deadline gets pushed. What matters most is that you’re showing up for the people and projects that are important to you.
I hope that by sharing my story, you feel inspired to give yourself permission to prioritize what matters most to you. Remember, you don’t have to do it all to be successful. By managing family, business, and everything in between with intention, you can create a life that feels balanced, even if it’s not always perfect.
You’ve got this.
p.s. If you haven’t already, I invite you to join me over on the Village platform inside the Women’s Business Resource Community.
