Lessons From My Mom
I think one of the most interesting things that happens after someone passes away is that life actually goes on. The garbage still needs to be taken out. The flowers still need watering. And business goes on too.
Yet, there is so much change that happens internally. It feels like everyone should stop and take notice. Take notice of those that they love around them. Take notice of the impermanence of it all.
The theme of Money 2.0 this year was: “Do whatever it takes – on your terms”. And after my mom’s passing, I realized that I needed to update my own terms on how to juggle the people in my life with my business.
I know that many of you struggle with the balancing act as well.
I created some guidelines to help myself remember what is important. Hope these help you too.
1. Five Minutes Counts. I have a tendency to not call friends and family if I don’t have time to talk to them. I’ve realized however that sometimes people just need to hear your voice – to hear that you’ve remembered them. Now, I remind myself to pick up the phone on breaks and between meetings to have short conversations. Then when people need to chat longer, make a time and date on the calendar to call them back.
2. Calendar the Important People Stuff. I’ve noticed that people have all kinds of stuff coming up that is important besides birthdays – races they are running, big meetings and events, family stuff, graduations, first dates. When I hear about them, I try to write them down so that I can call, text or send them flowers on that day. It’s a good way to try to remember the important events and stay in touch. It’s easy to forget the little things about your friends and family when you are busy running a business – this way you’ll be reminded.
3. Delegate As Much as Possible. Even if you are a beginning business owner, you can find someone to come and help for five hours a week. Someone who can input business cards, update contacts, ship and return things for you. This is invaluable help not only to get things crossed off your to-do list, but also to clear up mental space for you. This is the mental space that can be used to support the people in your life.
4. Systematize Self Care. I just read an amazing book about habits and how they are all put into place by using cues and triggers. What triggers do you have to take care of yourself? When I wake up, it’s my trigger to take five deep breaths and set an intention for the day. My up band (it’s like a pedometer on your wrist – https://jawbone.com/up) reminds me to move my body every hour. I have set an alarm that goes off at 3:30 that reminds me to eat a snack.
What cues do you have in place to remind you to take care of yourself, your friends and your family?
Hope these suggestions help you come with your own guidelines! Have an amazing holiday weekend. Take good care of yourself and those that you love.
Share your own comments on how you juggle it all below.
