Balancing Act: Time Management Tips for Thriving as a Service-Based Entrepreneur with a 9-5
Hey love!
This year started out busier than ever for me, I started a new role as Program Manager in my 9-5, I joined several new ministries within my church, and I signed up for Toastmasters. So ya girl has been busy, and don’t forget running my brand strategy and web design business. So, time management is a must for me! Chances are you’re just like me, rocking in your career but finding it a bit tricky to juggle your thriving service-based business, your 9-5, and maybe even a bustling family life. Balancing it all can feel like juggling while riding a unicycle on a tightrope, but fear not! I’ve got some tips to help you keep all those balls in the air lol.
Set Clear Priorities: It's like that old saying goes, "You can do anything, but not everything." Take a moment to define your priorities both in your business and personal life. What are the non-negotiables? What tasks can wait until tomorrow? Setting clear priorities will help you focus your time and energy where it matters most. I like to start my day with first list the top 1 item I need to get done for my 9-5 and the other for my business.With getting that 1 item done for the day I’m good, and what I’ve found is that I’d feel accomplished in my 9-5 and that feeling will carry me into the evening when I starting working within my business and I often tend to knock multiple items off the list because I’m feeling focused and energized.
Learn to Delegate or Automate: Repeat after me: "I am not a superhero, and that's okay." You don't have to do it all by yourself. Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks or hiring someone to clean your house, you don’t have to do it all on your own by yourself. Automation is a huge one, if you’re not already automating your processes within your business like onboarding for example, I advise you to find apps that’ll help streamline your workflow and automate repetitive tasks. I personally love Dubsado for onboarding and I use Asana for project management.
Embrace the Power of Saying No: As a driven entrepreneur, it's tempting to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. But remember, every "yes" is a commitment of your time and energy. Learn to say no to things that don't align with your goals or bring you joy. Your future self will thank you.
Prioritize Self-Care: This is listed last because it’s the most important and if you don’t remember any of the other 3 I mentioned above, please remember this one. You cannot pour from an empty cup. You cannot be there for others if you're not there for yourself. Make time for self-care activities that recharge your batteries, whether that’s a spa day, reading, or binge-watching your favorite show. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's essential for maintaining your productivity and sanity. The Bible says God rested on the seventh day, so I try to make sure on my seventh day, I shut it all down. Sometimes I don’t even take phone calls on my day of rest, because we know conversations can sometimes be draining too.
Which one resonated the most with you? Let me know in the comments below.
IN SUMMARY:
Effective time management is crucial when juggling the demands of a career, business, and personal life. Setting clear priorities, delegating tasks, and leveraging automation tools are essential strategies for maximizing productivity and maintaining balance. Learning to say no to non-essential commitments and prioritizing self-care are also vital for long-term success and well-being. By implementing these practices, you are on your way to greater fulfillment, peace and structure in your life.
Until next time lovelies!
BRAND STRATEGIST + SQUARESPACE WEB DESIGNER
Here I share brand strategy, Squarespace web design tips, and resources to grow a successful online business.
Read our Top Blog Posts:
