By: O.L. & Sway Buckley
From juggling hats with emails, client care, billing, payroll, quality control, and home life, is there such a thing as 'work/life balance'? This is even more challenging if one or both spouses work 9-5 and build a business.
It's no wonder many marriedpreneur couples give up before reaching their goal.
For starters, we exchange the word 'balance' for 'blend' because balance is often realistic. Blending isn't about being 50/50 but about being aware of today's fluctuating needs.
Here are a few practical ways to win this week.
- Shift your expectations: Be clear about where you are getting your expectations from. Is it from your I.G. feed of everyone seeming to 'effortlessly win' at everything, or do you have a coach/mentor who has shared realistic goals based on your capacity?
- Work in increments. When you have so many hats, it's best to keep protected times in smaller increments because it's likely more realistic. Instead of trying to do a deep dive, know that consistent small steps are just as powerful as large ones.
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Schedule what matters most: One of our sayings in our home is that if it isn't scheduled, it's not serious. That shifts the perspective for us. We work to do this daily with our three wins and some honorable mentions on the list. When we can set aside protected time to get them done, we know it's more likely than not a reality.
- Delegate!: We can only go SO far on our own. The sooner you strategically delegate, the sooner the burden lifts. Strategic delegation understands what the ROI will be from outsourcing tasks. If you can't name it, get clear first. (Sometimes it's momentary, sometimes time-freedom, but be clear on what it's for.)
- Built-In Accountability: The beautiful thing about this marriedpreneur journey is that you have a purpose partner in your spouse. Determine what the daily goals are and share them. By just sharing the goal, you increase the likelihood of accomplishing it. Plus, you know you will be asked about it, so there's that.
These practical, actionable steps have helped us stay sane during transitioning from 9-5 to full-time marriedpreneuers. We trust they will do the same for you!
If you need a clear strategy to help transition, consider working with our team to create a strategic plan for your growth goals together.
Here's to living purposefully, powerfully, and profitably in sync!
O.L. & Sway
Note: O.L. is a former banker turned real estate consultant and entrepreneur. Sway is a former CEO of a staffing firm she started on her dorm room floor to pay for college. Together they co-own Marriedpreneur Life Consultancy, equipping married entrepreneur couples with high-level systems to scale without strain. They're the co-hosts of The Marriedprenuer Life Podcast, which was Wedding Wire's top relationship podcast to listen to. Learn more at MarriedpreneurLife.com.