5 Work-Life Balance Strategies for Startup Founders

What I am most proud of this year is the way I managed my time in the startup jungle. I am not perfect at work-life balance yet, but I think I have definitely mastered 99% of the skill. Here are my top five work-life balance strategies for founders building startups: 

1. Done is better than perfect: My schedule is always crazy. Between managing my personal and professional responsibilities, I’ve hacked the art of “being done”. Perfectionism is valuable, but at some point it can stop you from progressing. Whether it is taking a fourth look at your deck, having someone read your email three times before you send it off or using 10 of your friends to read a post before you hit “publish”, think again! Time is something you cannot get back. Not everything is a high priority item that requires your full attention. 
2. You are entitled to say “no”: I love people and I enjoy making new connections and friends, but I have learned to put some respect on my schedule! A lot of people want one-on-one meetings for advice, feedback, idea validation and a whole list of things. If I had one-on-one meetings with everyone that requested one, I would have to dedicate an entire work day or two every week. I have learned to say “no” and I have grown really comfortable with it. Also, I provide people with other options to access me (because I don’t want to be completely inaccessible) and ask for people to email me rather than call me or call me rather than trying to meet in person. The word “no” and providing people with other alternatives to reach me is powerful and keeps me on task. Try it! 
3. Show up when it matters: I get many requests for speaking engagements and I hate turning some of them down. Also, I get invited to many events (now virtually!) and end up turning some of those down too. I have decided to be super intentional about where I show up or feel like I need to have a presence. Truth is, you can't be everywhere. I minimize the amount of events I attend or speak at or let someone from my team attend them on my behalf. I also try to recommend other peers in the space doing great work as potential speakers. 
4. Delegation and automation is a major key: Managing a team of 30+ now has taken a major workload from and I am so thankful to be able to delegate to them! If I have learned anything it's that delegation is a blessing! Automation is another key. Sync your calendars, schedule your social media posts and emails and use a meeting scheduling service like Calendly. Those small seconds in the day count when your time is scarce. 
5. Rest and recharge: Surprise! I am actually not always working. Sundays are “Jessica Appreciation Days” and that is when nails, toes, laundry, cleaning, Netflix and cooking happens. Sundays are not to be compromised and I don’t let anything stand in the way of “me time” because I work close to 12-14 hours a day Monday - Saturday. Pick one day per week or allocate some time during the day to appreciate yourself! Totally worth it.

​
Now it’s your turn. How do you balance your time? I look forward to reading your responses below.