Ah, summer — the season of sunshine, ice cream, and the endless laughter (shrieking?) of children at home. The summer months can pose a unique challenge for entrepreneurs running a business from home. How do you find that delicate balance between nurturing your business and making unforgettable memories with your kids? Fear not, fellow Waymakers! With a dash of strategic planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can have a productive business season while creating cherished moments with your family.
Tip 1: Craft a Quarterly Goal Blueprint
To align your business ambitions with summer activities (camps, vacations, etc.), map out all of the family activities that are already scheduled. Have a conversation with your kids about how they want summer to feel, what is on their bucket list, and set some ground rules and expectations. (I personally like to reinforce cleaning up after ourselves and quiet hours during the week.) After that, you're ready to set two bold yet achievable goals for the quarter: one for your business and one for your family. Break down these goals into monthly milestones and further into weekly action items. This structured approach front loads all of the high level thinking and decision-making so that you are free to follow your blueprint and enjoy the summer. Whether you aim to launch a new product line or expand your customer base, a well-defined goal blueprint guides your efforts and ensures a harmonious balance between work and play.
Need some help with this? Find our next Quarterly Planning workshop here.
Tip 2: Rethink Your Ideal Week with Your Family in Mind
Think about what your week gets to look like for the next few months. What do you want your daily rhythm to look like? What are the consistent moments you want with your kids? Maybe you want to have lunch together each day and an hour for something fun. You might count on some uninterrupted work time in the early morning because they are staying up and waking up later. What needs to shift for that to happen? Defining a new normal for summer will help you manage your expectations and emotions each day.
Tip 3: Embrace Intentional Weekly Planning
Even with a detailed quarterly blueprint, each week will bring something new to the table. The key to heading off overwhelm and frustration is intentional weekly planning. Dedicate time at the end of each week to reflect on your business priorities and outline your schedule for the following week. Plan around the new stuff on your calendar and make sure you have dedicated time for those quarterly goal activities. See how much empty space you can leave on your calendar where you are not working and not committed to anything in particular. This deliberate approach ensures that both your business and family receive the attention they deserve. By setting clear objectives for work and play, you empower yourself to stay on track while relishing quality time.
Striking the Perfect Balance
Remember, summer is a season for creating lasting memories. Less thinking about work logistics means more playing with your kids in the backyard, exploring new hiking trails, or simply enjoying a family picnic in the park. Embrace the spontaneity of summer and allow yourself to be fully present in these moments. The laughter of your children and the joy of building sandcastles together will rejuvenate your spirit and inspire your entrepreneurial journey.
Conclusion: Navigating Summer is Easier Than You Think
As you navigate the summer months with your business and family in mind, remember that balance is not about juggling everything at once, but rather about prioritizing what truly matters. By crafting a clear blueprint for the quarter, embracing the new normal, and prioritizing intentional planning, you can conquer your business objectives while making lasting memories with your children. So, embrace the warmth of the season, seize the opportunities it brings, and savor every moment of this summer adventure—both in business and in play. Here's to a summer filled with success, joy, and cherished family memories!
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