How Important Is Work-Life Balance Really?

The holidays are a great time to reflect on what we decide to prioritize.

Question: Is work-life balance important when you're first starting out, or a myth?

Question: Is work-life balance important when you're first starting out, or a myth?

Success Requires Dedication

"Starting a new business is hard. That's why you meet a lot more people who have a business plan than people who have a successful business. If you go home at 5:15 and your competitor goes home at 9:30 (and then works until 3 a.m.), you're at a big disadvantage. A 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job (or even better, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are the rewards you earn after you've been successful. "


Boundaries Help

"Yes, it’s very important -- and something I still struggle with. You need to have boundaries because it’s easy to work all the time when you’re passionate about what you do. Force yourself to do something fun with family or friends. Breaks can help clear your mind and give you perspective. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself -- you need to be healthy to run a healthy business! "


Strategic Imbalance Is Key

"I love Marcus Buckingham's concept of strategic imbalance. Buckingham believes striving for work-life balance causes too much stress. Instead, the focus should be on imbalancing your life (and work) in a way that plays to your strengths and brings you the most joy, while actively removing the most stress-filled activities in your day. Our entrepreneurial lives can be strategically imbalanced too."


Balance Matters

"The work-life balance should always be that: a balance. We all get out of balance at times because situations pull us more in one direction than another, and that's OK. In general however, you should always have a good balance as your personal life has a direct and huge impact on your business when you're starting out. Just know that when you first start, that balance is one-sided towards work."


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How Important Is Work-Life Balance Really?

The holidays are a great time to reflect on what we decide to prioritize.

Question: Is work-life balance important when you're first starting out, or a myth?

Question: Is work-life balance important when you're first starting out, or a myth?

Success Requires Dedication

"Starting a new business is hard. That's why you meet a lot more people who have a business plan than people who have a successful business. If you go home at 5:15 and your competitor goes home at 9:30 (and then works until 3 a.m.), you're at a big disadvantage. A 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job (or even better, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are the rewards you earn after you've been successful. "


Boundaries Help

"Yes, it’s very important -- and something I still struggle with. You need to have boundaries because it’s easy to work all the time when you’re passionate about what you do. Force yourself to do something fun with family or friends. Breaks can help clear your mind and give you perspective. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself -- you need to be healthy to run a healthy business! "


Strategic Imbalance Is Key

"I love Marcus Buckingham's concept of strategic imbalance. Buckingham believes striving for work-life balance causes too much stress. Instead, the focus should be on imbalancing your life (and work) in a way that plays to your strengths and brings you the most joy, while actively removing the most stress-filled activities in your day. Our entrepreneurial lives can be strategically imbalanced too."


Balance Matters

"The work-life balance should always be that: a balance. We all get out of balance at times because situations pull us more in one direction than another, and that's OK. In general however, you should always have a good balance as your personal life has a direct and huge impact on your business when you're starting out. Just know that when you first start, that balance is one-sided towards work."


See Also: 9 Ways to Ensure Your Inbox Won't Drag You Down

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