The Balancing Act: Finding Time for Everything
As a solo private practice owner, therapist, fitness enthusiast, avid reader, dog-mom, and auntie, finding time for everything can feel impossible at times. However, with careful planning and prioritization, I have found ways and have coached clients to juggle their multiple roles and responsibilities while still making time for self-care and personal interests. In this blog post, I'll share some strategies that have helped me maintain balance and manage my time effectively:
Prioritize and Schedule: I know we all hear “you need to get your priorities together,” but what does that mean when everything is important? I’ve learned to recognize my “non-negotiables” (the parts of my routines that, if left undone, will cause me to feel horrible physically and/or mentally). These may be things that we may be able to get away with for a few days and they will surely catch up with us if we let them. One of the most effective ways to manage multiple roles is to prioritize tasks and schedule your time accordingly. Start by identifying your non-negotiables in each area of your life—whether it's work, family, fitness, or personal interests. Then, create a weekly schedule or checklist that allocates specific time slots for each priority. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you're dedicating adequate time to each area of your life.
2. Set Boundaries with yourself and others: As a solo private practice owner and recovering people-pleaser, it's always important to set boundaries to protect my time, peace, and energy. For me, this has been establishing specific “time zones” for different parts of my life and establishing systems of accountability. My ADHD brain also responds well to this. This may mean establishing specific hours for different things. For example, it helps me focus through the rest of the day to get my workout in sometime during the earlier half of the day, preferably in the morning. I also know that, because I’m a morning person, I need a specific time for rest sometime in the middle of the day. I also identify which hours are designated for work and work-related tasks.
3. Practice Time Management Techniques and Systems: So, I’m sure many of us have read a productivity book or two (or ten) and have found some strategies that have been helpful and others where we can’t relate. Personally, I’ll jot down tips that resonate and leave everything else. I use a combination of pen and paper and digital techniques to help me find time for everything. Regardless, time management techniques and systems are necessary to maximize finding time for everything that matters to you and minimizing time on decision-paralysis. Join my email list to learn more about the specific resources I use to help with time management.
4. Combine Activities: We have to radically accept that there are only 24 hours in a day and most of those hours are already assigned to specific tasks and/or biological needs; however, I don’t think it is a myth to find a healthy life-work balance without subscribing to hustle-culture. Try looking for opportunities to combine activities whenever possible to make the most of your time. For example, listen to audiobooks or podcasts while exercising, meal prepping, or commuting. I also include automatic/delegation in this category. Personally, I love a good audiobook or podcast during my post-gym shower or while walking my dog.
5. Make Self-Care a Priority: As a therapist and fitness enthusiast, it's essential to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain your well-being. Schedule regular exercise sessions, meditation or mindfulness practices, and downtime to rest and recharge. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's necessary for your overall health and effectiveness in all areas of your life.
Conclusion: Balancing multiple roles as a solo private practice owner, therapist, fitness enthusiast, avid reader, and auntie may seem daunting, but with the right strategies in place, it's entirely achievable. By prioritizing and scheduling your time, setting boundaries, practicing time management techniques, combining activities, and making self-care a priority, you can find the balance you need to thrive in every aspect of your life.
