For entrepreneurs, the age-old saying holds true “time is money.” But life is so much more. Successfully operating a business, especially a startup venture that has yet to mature into an enterprise, demands constant attention and can easily devour all your resources. However, it’s vital to incorporate a regular cadence of respite from the world of industry to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Of course, this is easier said than done, but not impossible.
Prior to founding Ferrari Energy, a Denver-based mineral acquisitions company, Adam Ferrari learned to hone his time management skills in his pursuit of a chemical engineering degree. Now an accomplished petroleum engineer, businessman, and philanthropist, he is an expert at balancing his professional endeavors alongside his personal life. In this article, Mr. Ferrari reviews several practical methods and tips that any entrepreneur can use to achieve equilibrium.
Defining Work-Life Balance
A work-life balance is unique to each person and can be utterly complex, depending on the entrepreneur. Though in general, striking a balance between the office and after-hours involves reducing the intersection between the two. Like a business, relationships with friends and family require consideration and focus to flourish. If your mind is constantly fixated on opposing forces, both will ultimately suffer. Therefore, it’s vital to establish an ideal setting for your personal life that’s worth embracing.
Time Management
So far, humans have yet to overcome the necessity of sleep and therefore, cannot take advantage of the twenty-four hours each day offers. On average, adults require seven to nine hours of slumber, though, in reality, most entrepreneurs operate on far less. The takeaway? Early birds do, in fact, get the worm. Early risers are poised to seize optimal personal time as the gears of the world slowly begin to turn. Consider scheduling your gym time, an early run, or yoga session to boost your energy levels and clear your mind. Afterward, funnel your newfound energy into your to-do list and calendar. Briefly review any of yesterday’s activities that may require your attention today, confirm your business objectives, reaffirm any post-work social activities, and take note of any necessary revisions. A robust calendar app synced to your personal and business electronic devices is an excellent option to keep your schedule in sync.
Delegate
At some point in their career, entrepreneurs learn to lead through delegation. CEOs, Division Directors, and Managers are integral to steering the ship of fortune but are only as good as the people encompassing the company as a whole. Prosperous entrepreneurs work in tandem with their Human Resources department to hire, train, and empower talent capable of stepping up by taking on more responsibility. As a result, delegation is encouraged from the top-down, morale increases, business thrives, and you as a business owner can feel comfortable momentarily stepping aside to attend a concert or take a short vacation with loved ones.
Company Culture
The responsibilities of entrepreneurs vary from annual forecasts to daily operations, but they also indirectly influence work ethic via their behavior. Since employees will ultimately take their cue from you, why not treat the work-life balance as part of your company’s brand. Too much of anything is a bad thing, and work, regardless of perks, is no exception, especially if it results in burnouts. This helps neither the worker nor the business. Therefore, lead by example, embrace a lifestyle of balance, and encourage others to do so. The net result will be contagious.
About Adam Ferrari:
Adam Ferrari is the founder of the Denver-based mineral acquisitions company Ferrari Energy. He is a chemical engineer by degree and is an accomplished petroleum engineer by profession. He also has experience in the financial sector through his work at an investment banking firm. Under his leadership, his company supported organizations including; St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Freedom Service Dogs, Denver Rescue Mission, Coats for Colorado, and Next Steps of Chicago.
