Dec 15, 2023
This Podcast Is Episode 554, And It's About Managing Work-Life Balance As A Construction Business Owner
Wellness is an important aspect of life for everyone,
especially construction contractors like you. Given the physically
demanding nature of the work, contractors must prioritize their
physical and mental health. Proper nutrition, exercise, and
adequate rest are all necessary for maintaining a healthy body and
mind. Additionally, taking breaks and managing stress can help
prevent burnout and promote well-being. By prioritizing your
health, contractors can feel better and perform better on the
job.
However, maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be
difficult for a small construction business owner, as most know.
You may work long hours, sacrificing personal time and family
obligations to keep your business running smoothly. The duties and
responsibilities of running your own business often take priority,
no matter how personal pursuits are essential for your
well-being.
But, with the right strategies and mindset in place, it is
possible to strike an effective balance between working hard on
your business and making time for yourself.
Set
boundaries
As much as we might love our jobs, we must remember that our
mental and physical health always comes first. One of the best ways
to ensure we care for ourselves is by setting boundaries for our
work schedule. For example, taking regular breaks throughout the
day can help us avoid burnout and increase productivity when we
return to our tasks. Or, if we know that specific tasks require
more energy and focus, we can set aside clear days to tackle
them.
Create a schedule that allows you to dedicate specific hours
to work and specific hours to personal time. Avoid checking emails
or answering work-related calls during your personal time, and
encourage your employees to do the same.
By sticking to a schedule that puts our well-being first, we
can remain motivated and engaged in our work for the long
haul.
Do what works for
you
Ever feel like you have a million things to do and not enough
time in the day to get them done? Trying to keep track of
everything can be overwhelming without some system in place. That's
why it's important to identify what works best for you and create a
plan that keeps you on track and productive. Maybe you're a fan of
to-do lists, or maybe you prefer to use a digital calendar. Perhaps
you find that breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps
helps you stay focused. Whatever it is, take the time to figure it
out and stick with it. Your future self will thank you for
it!
Sort out what is
important and what is urgent
We often juggle multiple tasks and try to complete them all at
once. This approach can often lead to suboptimal results or
burnout. A better system is to sort our tasks based on their
importance and urgency, focusing on the most important or urgent
tasks first. This way, we can ensure that we are progressing in the
right direction and achieving our goals.
Identifying the most critical and urgent tasks may require
time and effort, but it will pay off in the long run with increased
productivity and reduced stress levels. So, next time you feel
overwhelmed with a list of tasks, take a step back.
Learn to
delegate
As much as we all might like to think of ourselves as
superheroes who can handle anything and everything, the truth is
that we're all human. Sometimes, even the most capable among us
need a little assistance, and that's nothing to be ashamed of.
Knowing when to delegate tasks can be one of the most important
skills you can develop as a leader or even a responsible
adult.
Knowing when to ask for help – whether from family members,
friends, or co-workers – can save you time, reduce stress, and
improve the quality of the result. So, if you feel overwhelmed by a
project or task, don't hesitate to ask for help. It might just make
all the difference in the world. This will help you manage your
time more effectively and allow you to enjoy your personal
life.
Rest
It's easy to forget the importance of rest and self-care. But
the truth is that getting enough sleep and practicing activities
like yoga or meditation can be crucial to our overall health and
well-being. A good night's sleep can help boost our mood and energy
levels, and it's also been linked to a reduced risk of developing
chronic health conditions.
Similarly, self-care activities like yoga or meditation can
help us feel more relaxed, reducing stress and anxiety. So, if
you've been neglecting your sleep or self-care routine, now is the
perfect time to prioritize them. Your body (and mind) will thank
you for it!
Make time for family and
friends
Yes, I have to mention this! It's easy to get caught up in
work and forget to set aside time for the people we care about. Not
only does it help us avoid burnout, but it also strengthens our
relationships with those we love. Whether it's a weekly family
dinner or a monthly game night with friends, committing to these
moments of connection can profoundly impact our mental health and
overall well-being. So, next time you feel overwhelmed by work or
life, remember the people who matter most. They'll be there to lift
you when you need it most.
Final
thoughts
Take the steps necessary to establish successful systems for
yourself and reap the benefits! Whether that means setting
boundaries, delegating tasks, or even taking time off to spend with
family and friends, design a process that works best for you. This
works to your advantage, especially during the holiday or when
loved ones need you the most.
Achieving a work-life balance as a business owner in the
construction industry is an ongoing process. Continuously evaluate
your schedule and priorities to ensure you're making time for work
and personal activities. It's important to remember that balancing
work and life should be a priority – so don't forget to take care
of yourself as you continue to strive for success! You deserve
it.
PS
We offer free resources to
help you save time and money that you can download and print
now.
About The Author:
Sharie DeHart, QPA, co-founded Business
Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the
leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and
accounting services companies and cash management accounting for
small construction companies across the USA. She encourages
Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on
their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining
cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and
profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770
or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com