We've recently discussed non-traditional work schedules and finding new ways for work-life integration from an employer's perspective.

But where does that leave the entrepreneur who is just starting their business? How do they achieve work-life integration when they are the ones responsible for ensuring their business moves forward, overcomes setbacks, and reaches success? 

Is it even possible? Or, worse, necessary? After all, many entrepreneurs thrive off hustle culture, and challenging times further motivate them to push through.

In today's blog, we'll examine work-life integration from an entrepreneurial perspective and how entrepreneurs can implement these strategies into their daily lives.

What is Work-Life Integration?

Remote and hybrid work schedules have grown in popularity and frequency and the idea of work-life balance has largely disappeared due to the erasure of the boundary between work and home.

As a result, we have seen a rise in work-life integration – a holistic approach that seeks to blend personal and professional needs. Instead of viewing work and life as separate entities, work-life integration seeks to combine them and find areas of compromise. 

This integration is not a one-size-fits-all approach and one's entrepreneur's work-life integration will look very different from the next entrepreneur. 

Three Examples of Work-Life Integration for Entrepreneurs

1. Energy Capacity and Demand

One strategy involves taking stock of one's energy levels and capacity to perform certain tasks to ensure you stay productive and achieve high levels of performance.

Entrepreneurs should schedule time in their day or week to check in with themselves in the following energy levels:

• Physical energy: Energy associated with physical health and often considered the foundation of energy management. 
• Emotional energy: Energy associated with emotions that inspire confidence and strengthen resilience.
• Mental energy: Energy associated with cognitive processes like thinking, analyzing, and decision-making.
• Spiritual energy: Energy associated with purpose, values, and mission.

If you often find yourself overwhelmed by your to-do list or buried in client calls and paperwork, consider taking a ten-minute walk. Not only will the walk be good physically, but it can also give you the mental clarity and focus you need to move forward in your business. Take it a step further and invite a friend or co-worker to join you for an added spiritual boost. 

2. Perform Tasks Meaningfully 

Despite what our world may tell you, true work-life integration doesn't have to mean everything exists in equal proportions. And frankly, it's almost impossible to spend the same amount of time “at work” and “at home,” especially if you want to avoid burnout. 

Instead, entrepreneurs should make sure they are spending their time meaningfully, whether they are at work or with their loved ones. 

For example, setting a time limit on the amount of time you dedicate to your business or task each day will allow you to focus on the most important elements of your business. And it can further reveal tasks that you need to delegate out or remove completely from your business. 

Additionally, this can look like blocking off thirty minutes to an hour to spend with your partner talking and listening with no distractions. This dedication will likely make you both feel appreciated, energized, and more connected.

Of course, being an entrepreneur also means things change quickly and life can be unpredictable, especially in the early days of your business. In these times, make sure you are communicating your needs, scheduling time for yourself and your loved ones, and staying intentional with the time you do have. 

3. Saying No

It can be scary to say “no” to work, travel, or invitations, especially when you are an entrepreneur first starting your business. However, if you are not careful, saying yes all the time will leave you exhausted and unmotivated. 

Be honest with yourself and what you can realistically take on. While stress and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a part of the job, if you feel immediately overwhelmed when someone asks you to make a keynote speech, it may be best to politely decline - at least for now. 

Entrepreneurship is not easy, but you also wouldn't be doing it if you weren't motivated, committed, and passionate about your business and its mission. To ensure you stay that way, try implementing some of the work-life integration strategies to ensure you achieve personal and professional success in your life and business. 

Need help? Reach out to us for a consultation.

As lawyers and entrepreneurs ourselves, we offer you legal and personal guidance for you and your business, using our own experience to help you recognize blind spots and reach your goals.

We can't wait to help you thrive as an entrepreneur!