Working Too Much or Too Little? 3 Tips for Finding Balance

If working 16-hour days isn't proving sustainable, consider these tips for striking a balance.

learn more about Joe Barton

By Joe Barton

Shutterstock

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The independence of the entrepreneur isn't a myth. As a young founder, you'll find that there's no such thing as a nine-to-five routine, and the freedom that comes with that flexibility may wind up as invaluable.

But, like any job, there are privileges and sacrifices. Some entrepreneurs will freely give their business their all, day in and day out -- sometimes to a fault. I know many entrepreneurs who end up clocking in 16-hour workdays instead of stepping back and reevaluating what's working and what's not (for more on avoiding this trap, check out The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber).

On the other hand, it's always possible to work too little, leaving your business with untapped potential. So, what's the best way to strike a harmony between these two extremes?

Here are three tips:

1. Prioritize. It's best to set reasonable goals that align with your purpose and passions. What do you care about most? Where do you need to spend your time? And what's the best way to strike a balance between the two?

Related: The Power of Huge Goals -- And How to Achieve Them

2. Track your progress. Heading a successful business isn't just about philosophy, though. It's also about making tough decisions -- especially when it comes to nose-to-the-grindstone hard work. That's why it's key to have accountability systems in place, like measuring your numbers on a daily basis.

Keeping track of daily metrics is key to charting and sustaining growth in profits as well as the size of your company. After all, it's dangerous to hire new employees without knowing if you can afford to hire more staff or what positions you need to hire for. In addition, knowing your metrics will also help you chart the performance of your current employees, so you can be a more informed, helpful leader.

Related: 8 Tips for Finding Focus and Nixing Distractions

3. Ask for help. Your first and best resource is your staff. Your second is your dedication and passion. But there's another resource that remains untapped to many entrepreneurs: your fellow entrepreneurs.

Reach out. Find a community. And find a mentor. You'll find that fellow entrepreneurs can offer perspective and insight into how to grow your business in a smart, sustainable way -- without putting a strain on your personal life.

Related: Why Over-Optimism Can Crush Your Company

Also, good coaching will keep you asking yourself the right questions, keep your priorities straight, and keep you focused on goals. I recommend The Strategic Coach program, as well as The Business Doctor Jeff Miles. After all, just as there are countless kinds of successful small businesses, there are limitless ways to create a fulfilling, successful work-life balance.

How do you balance starting up with living your life? Let us know your secret in the comments below.

Joe Barton

Joe Barton is the founder of Barton Publishing and other websites that promote natural health through teaching people how to cure themselves using alternative home remedies (using simple grocery store items, herbs, vitamins, exercises, and more), instead of expensive and harmful prescription drugs.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Money & Finance

What Is a Good Credit Score and How Do I Get One?

Is bad credit holding you back? This article explains what constitutes a good credit score and how to raise your score if it's low.

Thought Leaders

The Collapse of Credit Suisse: A Cautionary Tale of Resistance to Hybrid Work

This cautionary tale serves as a reminder for business leaders to adapt to the changing world of work and prioritize their workforce's needs and preferences.

Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.

Business News

I'm a Former Google Recruiter. Here's How to Land a Job in Tech — and What Can Blow Your Interview

A former Google recruiter says layoffs may be trendy, but tech workers are always needed. Here's how to land a job at a major tech company.

Growing a Business

The No.1 Most Bankable Skill You Must Have to Succeed in 2023

If you don't foster this skill, you'll fall behind the pack financially and professionally in 2023.

Starting a Business

5 Ways Entrepreneurship Can Help Teenagers Overcome Negative Peer Pressure

Here are some of the positives teenage entrepreneurship can have concerning peer pressure.