Negotiating can take many forms. By definition it can pertain to business transactions and it can relate to moving through and around things. A business owner, particularly one who is a “solopreneur,” may find that certain skills are required to negotiate your business needs and your personal ones.

As a business owner with two businesses: writing and life coaching, my list of things to do and follow up on has increased. Marketing, selling, and managing two businesses have to be balanced with taking care of my home and personal life. Where do I draw the line when taking the time to call a friend may mean less time for me to write an article? How do I get myself to focus on chores when I would much rather be working on an outline for my book? Not to mention the times I’ve turned on my laptop before I’ve had my morning coffee only to look up and find that it’s already time for lunch.

There has to be a negotiation between the business side and the personal side. Yes, they are both part of one person, but they probably don’t have the same priorities. Devoting ourselves solely to our businesses means that a very large part of our lives is being left out. Sometimes feeling just as burned out as I felt when I was in my corporate job. While I know that working for myself often means long hours, when it starts feeling like “work” then I know I’ve gone too far.

Returning to my center and negotiating between the business work and the personal life is not easy. Some personal things on my “to do” list – like laundry and housecleaning – are not exactly exciting. I’d much rather be writing or working with a client. However, the chores (and the fun) are a part of life and to neglect them because I’m only focused on the business will throw everything out of balance.

What are some ways to negotiate through business and personal needs?

• Set a time to start and stop working.
• Have time that is strictly family time or friend time.
• Schedule appointments on your calendar for things like going to the gym or getting a manicure.
• Determine your best work times during the day. When are you the most productive? Use those hours for business. Perhaps less productive times can be saved for chores or simply relaxing.
• Don’t work endless hours believing that once you’ve made a certain dollar amount, you’ll slow down. You won’t. Start now and build the foundation for balancing your business and personal life.
• Make your family and friends partners in your success. Let them know that you’ll still have time for them and set aside that time.

It’s exciting to have your own business, but don’t neglect the other parts of your life. Success isn’t just about a dollar amount or how many business you build – it’s about enjoying your success in all parts of your life. Take the time to make the negotiations between, around and through the challenges so that you can create the life of your dreams.