3 things you can start doing TODAY to have a better work/life balance this year
“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” I don’t know who said it, but it’s one of my all-time favorite quotes because it’s just. so. true. You have to change something if what you’re currently doing isn’t producing the results you want.
And if you’re reading this, it’s likely because you want a better work/life balance. So what changes can you make in order to spend more time off?
I’m so glad you asked!
Here are three things you can start doing today to have a better work/life balance this year:
1. Automate everything you possibly can
Why would you choose to spend your precious time doing mundane tasks that can be fully automated?! I know technology can be both a blessing and a curse, but when it comes to running your business more efficiently and reclaiming some time – it’s your friend. You should be automating things like your booking/scheduling, email/text appointment reminders, new client paperwork, waivers, client review requests, and direct messages. There may be a bit of a learning curve, but remember we’re committed to doing new things to get new results! Embrace the change and know that it’ll be worth it. To make things easier, many of these software systems and booking platforms have fantastic resources to help you navigate the process.
2. Outsource everything you possibly can.
Have you ever heard the term “opportunity cost?” An opportunity cost is essentially the value of what you lose when choosing between two or more things. Every task you do has an opportunity cost. For example, if you’re spending 2 hours a week cleaning your salon, the opportunity cost could be that family dinner time you missed to stay and clean.
I want you to think about the opportunity cost of everything you do. Ask yourself, is this worth not being able to make it to the school pickup line everyday? If the answer is no, and you can afford it, you should outsource it.
I’m talking about laundry services, cleaning services, accountants/bookkeepers, social media managers, virtual assistants, meal prep services, grocery delivery…whatever you need.
I know it can be hard to find people you trust with your business, but take the steps today to find the right company/people to support you in your quest of a better work/life balance.
3. Create and enforce boundaries
First, set boundaries with your clients. You shouldn’t have to spend your off time communicating with your clients because you’re not required to be available to your clients 24/7. Circling back to #1 where I talked about automating everything you can – you can send polite auto replies to clients when you receive messages outside of business hours, directing them to your website’s FAQs or your online booking site. That simple automation can save you hours every week and lets clients know (kindly) when you are not available.
Then, set boundaries with your time. This one might cause you to have to take a good hard look at the ways you really spend your time in order to figure out where the boundary needs to be. Maybe you tend to check your email first thing in the morning and end up working for 30 minutes on your off days. So set a boundary around not checking your email first thing in the morning, and instead spend that time journaling or exercising.
I hope that reading this empowers you to make some changes in your business and your life so you can spend more time doing the things you love, with the people you love.
If you don’t know where to start with automating or you have some administrative tasks you’d like to outsource – that’s just what I do! Let’s chat and see if we’d be a good fit to work together. Schedule your free Discovery Call using the button below!
Thanks for reading!
-Lindsey
