I realise this might sound a bit dramatic but the frustration of commuting each day, to sit in an office from 9 am to 5 pm, just didn't fit with my desire to have the freedom to work in a way that produced results; but didn't have me chained to my desk for certain hours of the day.
However....here's a trap that small business owners fall into - it's exchanging one job for another but with you as the boss (and my boss can be very demanding)!
Which is why it's important as you set up and grow your business that you design your business around your lifestyle. Otherwise you'll end up frustrated, resentful and burned out.
Each of us has different needs, values and personal circumstances but if you really want to make the most of working for yourself AND enjoy life, here are some shifts to make...
Commit to working the hours that fit with your needs and values. I made the decision that I 
would not work in the evenings and rarely at the weekends (unless I wanted to). I also schedule in a long weekend with family each month.
Let go of any guilt or fear that you are missing out if you can only work a small number of hours due to child care or other commitments. You'll soon become very focused in the time you have available and you'll be much more savvy about handling distractions. Tim Ferris's book the Four Hour Work Week helped me shift my perspective on what's achievable.
Block out your vacation time, even if you're not going away. If you were in paid employment you'd probably take 4 weeks as annual leave to switch off and have fun.
If travel or being location independent is your dream then it is possible. Consider hiring help for your technology requirements and work on setting up systems so that you can do more of your business online. Be inspired by Marianne Cantwell's approach to work and life here.
Carve out space for your interests and hobbies. It's tempting to feel that spending time on these activities is a bit of a luxury, particularly when there are so many other demands and pressures. However, doing what you love, outside of your work, will probably inspire fresh insights and bring you into contact with new people and opportunities
Choose your environment. I know this is a trickier one as you may have a partner, children, parents, schools and other commitments to consider. So moving home from town to country or even another country may not be realistic. However, may be you could design an office space that you love (I couldn't wait to escape my grey cubicle for colour and comfort!) or if you prefer working with others, in some towns and cities, there are trendy shared work places or private clubs - like Bathtub to Boardroom
If you've taken the leap to start your own business then dare to design a lifestyle that works for you too. You'll become much happier and more client attractive in the process.
If you would like help with designing your business please click here and we can step up a time for a complimentary discovery session.
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