The life of an entrepreneur can become jumble when it comes to Time Management. Especially when we are talking about having some social time. You see the problem is, we usually enjoy our work, so it doesn’t seem like work!!! Before we know it we have been brainstorming or writing for hours, forgotten to have lunch, our nails look like shit and our friends think we have forgotten them!!
Add to the mix that you are working from your home office and before you know it, it’s been 5 days since you had a non-work related conversation and put on high heels and a face!!
It doesn’t have to be like this.
Here are my 5 simple rules for Time Management – and having a social life.
1/ Mark out your calendar every week, with what is happening. Work, family, personal, clients etc.
2/ Decide if you want to spend some of the spare time on yourself or being social
3/ Work out who you would like to spend some time with
4/ Spend 15 minutes on the phone – asking!!!!
5/ Get out there and have some fun
I know that all seems stupidly simple, but the reality is, so few of us do it. Then we get to the point we are exhausted and don’t even know where to go out, if you did want to.
This balance is particularly hard for some of us – single mum here. I have totally failed at having a social life, over and over again. Which is ironic given I would go to the opening of an envelope when I was in my 20’s.
These days I reflect on my Top 5 Passions when I am scheduling my week. My #3 Passion is being surrounded by like minded, fun and inspiring people…..BUT….if I need alone time, that is equally important. If that’s the case, I pick up the phone and just say ‘hi’ to someone I care about.
Being social, does not mean another hour on Facebook by the way. There is a big wide world out there, and we need to make the most of it.
If you are busy, like I am at the moment, it’s not an excuse to not be social either – just do it in a different way. Invite some friends to brunch – always a lot quicker than dinner, or ask someone to do a walk with you – and get your exercise in.
As for me, tonight I’m child free, so it’s dinner with a fabulous business woman I know – then some me time (ie curling up and watching Ray Donovan).