Girl life be lifing..These past few years have been a whirlwind of ebbs and flows, and let
me tell you, it's been one heck of a ride. But amidst the chaos and the curveballs life has
thrown my way, one question keeps lingering in my mind: why was I always on the front
line? This couldn’t have been my only weapon in my birthright. I just know April Fools
isn’t all year hunny. With all that I went through I decided to write this article for all the
women attempting to learn how to master balance and boundaries in entrepreneurship.
Picture this: You're a powerhouse entrepreneur, juggling multiple businesses, maybe
even just one, raising children solo, and navigating life after a divorce (yes your girl is
officially divorced). It's a whirlwind of responsibilities, emotions, and dreams, and finding
balance amidst it all can feel like trying to catch the wind. You're not alone, and guess
what? It's okay to admit that finding balance and setting boundaries can be tough. But
here's the good news: you have the power to take control and create the harmony you
deserve.
Many women entrepreneurs face the constant struggle and monumental task of
balancing their professional and personal lives. Without clear boundaries, they often feel
overwhelmed, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. It's frustrating when you
feel like you're constantly on the go, yet never quite catching up and trying to be
everything to everyone. You want to excel in your business while still nurturing your
relationships, pursuing your passions, and taking care of yourself. Trying to be a parent
and not feel like you are neglecting the group of people who matter the most-your
children. Dealing with the aftermath of a divorce or break up. It's overwhelming, and
you're struggling to find time for yourself amidst all this chaos. But it feels like an
impossible task. Here's the thing – finding balance and setting boundaries is not about
doing it all or being perfect. It's about prioritizing what truly matters to you and learning
to say no to the things that don't align with your goals and values. Despite the
challenges you've faced, you have an incredible capacity for resilience and strength. By
embracing balance and setting boundaries, you can reclaim control of your life and
business. Realizing this I had to ask myself well how do we achieve this?
Here is the framework I created for me and apart of my SOPs: ( I had to keep in mind
this is a ongoing journey and not my final destination and at times I will have to pivot)
1.Know Your Priorities: Take some time to identify and reflect what's most important to
you in both your business and personal life. Once you have clarity on your priorities, it
becomes easier to allocate your time and energy accordingly. Maybe it's spending
quality time with your kids, growing your businesses sustainably, or investing in your
own well-being. Identify your priorities and let them guide your decisions.
Example: Just like you, I went through a divorce while raising my children and managing
my businesses. I realized that my children's well-being and my own self-care were
non-negotiable priorities. So, I made a conscious effort to allocate specific time slots for
work, family, and self-care activities.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Boundaries are essential for maintaining your well-being and
sanity. Communicate your boundaries to your clients, team members, and loved ones.
It's okay to say no when something doesn't align with your boundaries. Boundaries are
your secret weapon for preserving your energy and sanity.
Example: As I grew my businesses and helped clients scale, I learned the importance of
setting boundaries to protect my time and energy. I established office hours, designated
family time slots, and implemented systems to delegate tasks effectively. This allowed
me to be fully present in both my work and personal life without feeling overwhelmed.
3.Schedule Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. It's a
necessity, especially for busy entrepreneurs like us. Make self-care a priority by
scheduling regular moments of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Whether it's taking
breaks throughout the day, going for a walk, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in your
favorite hobby, prioritize activities that recharge your batteries.
Example: Even amidst the chaos of entrepreneurship and single parenthood, I carved
out time for self-care rituals that nourished my soul. Whether it is getting my routing
lymphatic drainage massages (book Knotaway thank me later), taking walks with my
children or watching movies with them, or indulging in a good book, these moments of
self-care became my anchor in turbulent times.
4. Dedication hours: I gave myself the first and last hour of my day for just me with no
interruptions. I spend that time listening to the bible, an audible book, praying, journaling
whatever I decide.
5. Practicing Gratitude: I set an alarm to write down and say out loud one thing that I am
grateful for so at the end of the year I can look back and see how far I have come
without feeling like I did nothing. Key: don't be grateful for what's expected.
Example: God thank you for the ability to walk and move my legs although I did not
make it to the gym today.
6. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Designate a separate area in your home for work.
This helps mentally separate your professional and personal life and signals to your
family when you're in work mode.
7. Communicate Expectations: Clearly communicate your availability and boundaries to
your family, clients, and coworkers. Let them know when you're available for meetings,
calls, or emergencies, and when you're not.
8. Set Boundaries with Technology: Limit your screen time and establish
technology-free zones or times, especially during family meals or before bedtime. This
reduces distractions and allows you to be more present with your family.
Example: I started leaving my phone downstairs when I go to bed
9. Reevaluate Regularly: Regularly review your boundaries and adjust them as needed
based on changes in your workload, family dynamics, or personal needs. Flexibility is
key to maintaining balance in both your entrepreneurial and parenting roles.
Example: Maybe start off once a quarter, work your way to making this a monthly
routine then weekly.
10. Batch Tasks: Group similar tasks together and allocate specific blocks of time to
complete them. This helps improve efficiency and prevents work from spilling over into
family time.
Example: In the morning waking up early to check and schedule emails, meal prep, work
out and pray. In the afternoon hold meetings, create content, and take calls. Evening
teach , have dinner, pray and prepare for the next day.
You see while being on the front line may have its challenges, it's also where the magic
happens. It's where we discover our true strength, our untapped potential, and our
capacity to rise above adversity. While I was on the front line, I realized that's where I
found myself, where I embraced my journey wholeheartedly, and where I learned to
thrive in the face of uncertainty. It's where I learned to stop questioning God and trusting
the system he has in place for me and those attached to me.
Here's to you, being unstoppable as an entrepreneur, mom , wife, what have you Happy
Women's Month! Your journey as a woman entrepreneur is unique, but you're not alone
in your struggles.
Forge your path with grace and resilience!
Coach Whit
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