How To Shift Your Schedule From 9-to-5 To Full-Time Business Owner
The United States Census Bureau recorded that they received nearly 1.8 million high-propensity business applications in 2023, which is much higher than pre-pandemic levels. If you’re one of these businesses, or if you’re planning on taking the leap to start a business soon, then shifting your normal 9-5 schedule may be a bit of an adjustment.
To ensure this becomes a smooth process for you, we’ve rounded up a few important tips and recommendations to take with you as you transition to the full time title as a business owner.
SOURCE: UNSPLASH
Hold Yourself Accountable
According to Anne Loehr, a transformational leader, 80% of people view accountability as a punishment. Accountability, however, is the action for taking responsibility for one’s actions. When it comes to running your own business, the control of the “what”, “how” and “why” of every task rests on you as the owner.
To ease into this new occupation, it’s important to start small and not have everything come for you all at once. It may also be beneficial to engage with an accountability partner to help boost you to achieve your goals and advise on where to adjust your schedule as necessary.
Have Clear, Measurable Goals
Shifting a work schedule is also a major shift in your daily lifestyle. In this instance, it may be most beneficial to implement SMART goals into this journey. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, these goals will help set you up for the success you’re setting to achieve as a business owner.
Determine Boundaries
In the middle of a work shift, time to get tasks done can start to get tight. 60% of US workers say they don’t have boundaries between life and work responsibilities. As you become busier, it’s vital for both your business and mental health to start saying no to things that either won’t serve your needs or that can be delegated to someone else.
When boundaries begin to blur and more effort is given each day, this can lead to unnecessary extra stress and burnout. To avoid this, take the following three steps:
- Establish your priorities
- Learn your limits
- Stay consistent and communicate effectively
- Exercise saying no
By utilizing each of these steps, you can remain well-rested with a clear mind to help tackle the goals that matter most to you.
Automate Simple Tasks
SOURCE: UNSPLASH
Things such as payroll, backing up files, sending reminder emails, and completing data entry are all tasks that can be set up on automation once you get into a steady rhythm with them and can move onto more complex goals that require more of your attention. Any tasks that aren’t so detail-oriented are good candidates for automation.
To help automate your workflow, try using some of these automation software systems for your business:
As a business owner, they’ll also help keep your daily, weekly, and monthly goals in line as you continue to control your progress.
Take Time For Yourself
Only 14% of small business owners take a vacation every two to three years. This can mainly be due to the fact that the growing stages of the business are a pivotal point in a business owner’s career. Even if it’s not a full-blown vacation that you plan on taking quite yet, still make sure you’re setting time aside for relaxation and to reset. Skipping breaks can lead to faster burnout as well as more room for error if not careful.
Try taking an exercising class, going to bed early, book a massage appointment, or even meditate as ways to take some extra time for yourself during the work week. A few extra minutes of rest can make all the difference.
