Finding Balance - Working From Home with Family Around
Here is a great article that was in our Fall Curated-Chicago Magazine, but during this time of Stay At Home, it seems to have even more meaning. Hope you enjoy and please feel free to submit and article to us.
Be present. When your two worlds learn to co-exist, you will find the balance you need.
The ugly truth is this: there is no such thing as work/life balance. “Stop striving for work life balance. It just doesn’t exist,” says Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran, who also happens to be a mother of two. In fact, Corcoran argues that trying to find this balance actually puts your work life and family life in conflict.
THE SOLUTION?
DIVIDE AND CONQUER.Clearly divide your attention and time between work and home, allowing yourself to be in the moment. “Today, I devote certain times of day totally to my family and other times to work,” says Corcoran. “This way I can give my full attention to the responsibilities at hand without distraction from others.” In order for this to work, you need to do a few things first:
SET BOUNDARIES
Chaos exists in the absence of boundaries. While you may not be able to schedule everything, do set guidelines for times when you will be focused on work and times when you will be available for family—leaving some wiggle room for the unexpected.
TALK TO YOUR FAMILY
In addition to communicating the boundaries you have set, let your family know why you have set them. Tell them about your business,
DELEGATE
One of the hardest things for small business owners to do is also one of the most important: delegate. The most successful of businesses are those where the owner does not have to micromanage every decision. Build a team you can trust with people who can take the reins when needed— and then let go.
GET HEALTHY
Never underestimate the power of healthy living. Taking care of yourself both physically and mentally will give you the energy—and focus—you need to get the most out of your business and personal life.
The bottom line: be present. When you are at work be present at work and when you are at home be present with your family. When your two worlds learn to co-exist, you will find the balance you need.
Patti Minglin is a passionate storyteller who started in the newspaper industry and now runs her own content marketing company, Go Girl Communications. Learn more about her at gogirlcommunications.com.