As I find myself getting so busy, with ONO approaching it’s launch date, I am finding it harder and harder to stay family first with the demands on my time.  I have tried several action steps to keep myself in check and I have decided to share these now as they have had time to prove themselves valuable. 

With today's economic times, struggling to keep family first is a problem that many of us can identify with and we know and feel the need for a new game plan.  I hope you find these action steps helpful in maintaining your balance. Family First Entrepreneurs must be mindful of a check a balance to stay on track in times like these. 

1) Set “sacred” family times. At 5:00 pm, I shut down and engage my family.  No cell phone, no computer.  People I do business with know this already.  After 8:30 when they go to bed is when I can pick back up again if needed.  I also have breakfast and lunch with them as a rule (this is possible because I have a home office).  Weekends are for family and friends.  If necessary, I pick up the extra time for work late in the evening. 

2) Single out special time with people you love individually.  When I find myself at max output, like now, I try to schedule special, concentrated quality time with each individual in my family.  It’s neat how meaningful a well thought out one or two hour interaction can be when it’s just the two of you.  Try to be mindful to do these weekly.  

3) Have a weekly date with your spouse.  This idea is nothing new, but it works wonders.  Make the time. 

4) Work hard to not bring work home.  I often finish with my day knowing there is still so much more to be done.  I go through a short breathing procedure before I leave my home office to rejoin the family and leave the work behind the door.  Be “clean minded” at home, your family needs you present. 

5) Set time aside for yourself.  In order to be fully present to your loved ones, you are responsible to take care of yourself.  Set aside friend time doing what you love.  You must refill if you want to have something to offer.  My indication of this need shows up as a feeling of emptiness when I’m with my family.  It’s has nothing to do with my love for them, it’s just that I am depleted in a way that only a friend or passion can fill.  Take that time and learn to know when you need it. 

6) Give yourself grace.  As Family First Entrepreneurs, we want and need to feel that we are doing everything we can. The sign of your dedication to this cause is indicated by your willingness to finish this article.  You have the will and the desire but being a 100% perfect parent is impossible.  Be kind with yourself when you fall short of the mark. As a parent doing our best may often show up as 80% but the daily attempt is what counts.  The fallible human condition will show up in parenting as well.  It is what it is.  The trick of it all is to learn as we go and be kind to ourselves as it happens.