If you are an entrepreneur then you know that you are pretty much always working. This is sort of like an innate characteristic for someone that is motivated, driven, and passionate about what it is that they do. So for coaches, counselors, therapists and just about anyone else that works in a profession where they are helping others, it can be difficult to turn off that resourceful, problem-solving urge that arises when you know someone could use a little help.

On the flip side, because of the willingness to always be of assistance to others or to continue growing their businesses, entrepreneurs sometimes find it challenging to take time out for themselves. In addition to finding time for themselves, there are often significant others such as a spouse, children, parents, friends, etc… that miss out on all of the goodness that makes you who you are.

Here are five ways to maintain work-life balance without inadvertently neglecting yourself, your business, or your loved ones:

1. Keep work contained

The first step in maintaining a healthy work-life balance is to be able to differentiate work from personal time. In today’s world of high-tech and convenient ways of connecting with others, it is so easy to get sidetracked and all of a sudden find yourself engulfed in work again. If you’re a resourceful person, I’m pretty sure you’ve experienced your fun and light-hearted conversations transition into advice-giving and solution-searching to help others. Be mindful of your time and set boundaries to help keep your work and personal time divided.

2. Schedule personal (self-care) activities

As you strive to keep your work contained you must also be intentional about keeping your commitments to yourself. Schedule your self-care and stick to the plan. Don’t be so quick to move your plans around because you feel it’s flexible. If you take your personal time seriously then others will begin to do so as well. On the other hand, if you continuously make yourself available then people will begin to expect that from you.

3. Be proactive in connecting with others

One way to prevent yourself getting annoyed of feeling guilty for not being available when people try and reach out to you is to reach out to them first. Usually, when someone tries to get in touch with us, it’s because they are concerned. You also don’t want to make those people you care about feel like they’re on the backburner. Take a moment, jot down some names, and plan time to reach out. While you’re at it, schedule a meetup. That way, you can work around your plans for work and personal care and avoid the impromptu invite that you may feel led to decline.

4. Gather feedback from people you trust

Ask people that you trust for their constructive criticism. You may find that they have been holding back and waiting for the right time to share some personal feedback with you. Sometimes, we unintentionally become neglectful while in pursuit of our goals. This could mean that household needs, quality time with others, and even yourself are being overlooked. Take a moment to let down your defenses and hear about what your actions look like from the outside looking in.

5. Evaluate your priorities

Reflect on what really matters to you. It is inevitable that as an entrepreneur your business is your livelihood. However, I’m sure by now you’ve learned that money isn’t everything. Afterall, you probably wouldn’t have read this post about work-life balance if you did. Take some time to think about those things that increase your quality of life. Doing so may give you the boost of motivation you need to restructure your goals, stick to set boundaries and be more intentional about building and maintaining relationships with others and keeping your commitments to yourself. 

Finding the harmony that works for you in balancing your career responsibilities, personal care, and quality time with others is a delicate process. It may seem awkward at first, while you and others get adjusted to new boundaries and expectations. Once you figure out what works best for you and your business it’ll be much easier for you to reiterate that to others and stick to your plans.