10 ways to to align your business with your lifestyle goals

Personal

Sep. 29

Being a business owner can be alluring because there is so much flexibility in the fact that every decision is up to you. You get to choose how often you work, where you work and who you work with. However, all of this freedom means that there are a lot of decisions to be made. I’ve learned from experience that if you don’t get clear on your boundaries and work / life goals, you can fall into old habits or bend to the expectations of clients. Here are some ways that you can check in with yourself and your business if you’re feeling like your hopes or expectations are falling out of line with reality.

Clarify Your Lifestyle Goals
First and foremost, identify what your lifestyle goals are. Consider factors such as the amount of time you want to spend with family and friends, personal hobbies, travel aspirations, and overall work-life balance. And be honest! Set your own goals, don’t put expectations on yourself just because you see others doing something that you think you should desire too.
Create a Vision for Your Business
Develop a clear vision for your business that aligns with your lifestyle goals. Consider how your business can support and enhance the life you want to lead. Are there hours outside of the 9-5 that would actually work better for you? Would a four-day work week make more sense? How much in-person work vs. virtual work would make you feel totally in flow?
Set Boundaries
Establish boundaries between work and personal life. Determine specific working hours and designate certain times for personal activities. Avoid letting work spill into your personal time and vice versa. This won’t always be perfect but if you are shifting to a new schedule, try cementing those hours in a digital or physical calendar so that you have reminders and don’t fall into old patterns.
Delegate and Outsource
Delegate tasks that are not aligned with your core expertise or that consume too much of your time. Consider outsourcing certain aspects of your business to free up time for other priorities. This may come after a bit of time and experience in your business, I know outsourcing was a big hurdle for me, but if you open your mind to the idea and keep a running list of tasks you don’t love or take up your time, it is absolutely a game changer.
Embrace Flexibility
Embrace a flexible work schedule that allows you to accommodate personal commitments and spontaneous events while still meeting business needs. That means you have to ALLOW yourself to take that random weekday or few hours off. Since the majority of my clients work within traditional hours I’ve had to consciously remind myself that I control my flexibility! And flexibility can lead to increased productivity and reduced stress.
Choose Clients and Projects Wisely
Select clients and projects that align with your values and long-term goals. Working on projects that excite you and are in line with your expertise can lead to greater job satisfaction. This means acknowledging red flags or being realistic about expectations with every client or project. The quickest way to fall out of alignment is by working with someone or on something that pushes against your boundaries daily.
Automate and Streamline Processes
Use technology and automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks, manage projects efficiently, and reduce administrative burdens. Hint hint: Squarespace is your super power. There are incredible scheduling, project management and AI tools on Squarespace now that can help you implement processes that make your business more efficient and enjoyable.
Prioritize Self-Care
Make time for self-care and well-being. Engage in activities that promote physical and mental health, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy. If you don’t find yourself doing this naturally, try actually scheduling these things or adding them to your to-do list.
Continuously Review and Adjust
Regularly review your business and lifestyle goals to ensure they remain aligned. Be open to making adjustments as your circumstances change or as you achieve certain milestones. My priorities in my first year of business have shifted a lot now that I’m almost in year four, so it’s helpful to review what’s working and what’s not.
Communicate with Your Team, Clients, Family and Friends
If you have a team, communicate your lifestyle goals and encourage an open dialogue about work-life balance. Consider implementing flexible work arrangements that benefit everyone. And make sure your clients, family and friends are aware as well. Let them help you stay accountable! And remember if you respect those hours, that is the absolute best way to get everyone else to respect them as well.