Mastering work-life balance: How I create my own schedule as a small business owner 

Some days, it feels like I’m wearing a hundred different hats—mom, business owner, partner, friend, and, oh yeah, an actual human being with my own needs. Juggling work deadlines and after-school activities can feel overwhelming, and there have been more than a few moments when I’ve wondered if balance is even possible. But over time, I’ve found ways to create a schedule that works for me. It’s not perfect (because, really, whose life is?), but it lets me show up for my family, my business, and myself in ways that feel meaningful. Here are my top tips for maintaining a work-life balance.

Prioritize tasks

Every day comes with a long list of tasks competing for your attention, so it’s crucial to prioritize what matters most. For me, that starts with scheduling family and self-care time as non-negotiable blocks in my calendar. Whether it’s a family dinner, volunteering at my kids school or a workout, these moments help me recharge and stay present for both my business and personal life. These things always come first and client work is scheduled around my non- negotiables. This is my secret key to balance!

Set clear work hours

One of the best ways to create balance is by setting clear work hours and sticking to them. It can be tempting to squeeze in “just one more email” after dinner or entertaining the ongoing texts from client needs, but over time, those blurred boundaries can lead to burnout. For example, I set specific hours during the day when I’m fully focused on work, and once those hours are up, I shift my attention to my family and personal time. By treating my end-of-day cut-off like a meeting I can’t miss, I ensure I’m present for both my business and my loved ones, guilt-free!

The art of saying “No”

Learning to say “no” can feel uncomfortable at first, especially when you’re trying to grow a business and keep everyone happy. But trust me, it’s essential for protecting your time and energy in the long-run. I am not going to lie – this is still hard for me now but I’ve learned to politely decline extra projects or unnecessary meetings that don’t align with my priorities so I can stay focused on what truly matters—like meeting a client’s deadline or spending quality time with my kids. Saying “no” isn’t about letting others down; it’s about setting healthy boundaries that will ultimately help you grow.

Self check in’s

Taking a moment to check in with yourself can make all the difference. I like to carve out time at the end of each week to ask myself simple questions like, “What’s working? What’s not?” This practice helps me spot when I’m overcommitting or neglecting things that are important to me. For instance, if I notice I’m feeling drained, I’ll adjust my schedule to include more rest or delegate tasks. These self check-ins keep me grounded and ensure I’m showing up as my best self for my family and my business!

Outsource or delegate

You don’t have to do it all! Learning to outsource or delegate tasks is one of the smartest ways to lighten your load and stay focused on where you add the most value. When I first hired my first team member to help create content for my business it was a game changer! Delegating gave me more time to focus on growing my clients and spending quality time with my family. Whether it’s hiring help for bookkeeping or asking someone to pitch in at home, delegation is key to creating a balanced and sustainable routine.

Are you craving a work-home balance? Schedule a clarity call with me and take the first step toward a more balanced home work life!