By Eric Rice, Founder/CEO of Quanta
From Inc.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to a CEO’s success and longevity. Far too often, CEOs prioritize their businesses above their families, spirituality and health. Eventually, without balance, the tower of cards will come crashing down.
The holiday season serves as a good reminder of the importance of balance. Imagine juggling your friends and family, travel plans and buying presents, all while running a successful business. I’m here to provide my top tips to maintain a healthy work-life balance during the holiday season and beyond.
1. Stay physically active.
I am a strong believer that staying active physically sharpens the mind. It is for this reason that I stick to a rigorous workout schedule. I wouldn’t be able to excel in my professional role without pushing myself physically.
Set a workout schedule every week to motivate yourself and create discipline -- ultimately, this reinforces your role as CEO. Plus, working out keeps off those extra winter pounds.
Set a workout schedule every week to motivate yourself and create discipline -- ultimately, this reinforces your role as CEO. Plus, working out keeps off those extra winter pounds.
2. Meditate.
Meditation follows the same principle. Sure, it is much harder to meditate when the house is packed with friends and family visiting from Chicago, but it's important to make time. You can either wake up 20 minutes early or stay up after everyone else has fallen asleep to meditate.
I gain newfound energy from the deep relaxation in the time I meditate. If I can’t focus, meditation is what gets me on the right track. Simply put, meditation gets me through the busy times.
I gain newfound energy from the deep relaxation in the time I meditate. If I can’t focus, meditation is what gets me on the right track. Simply put, meditation gets me through the busy times.
3. Make time for yourself.
Good founders put themselves last when necessary. They are the last to get a paycheck and the last to get benefits. When you are not at work, you have to learn to put yourself first.
One of my favorite ways to relax and refresh is to grab a bite to eat by myself. There's no one else to talk to -- you're alone with your thoughts, your food, and peace and quiet. Decompress. Take a notebook. Remember, balance begins inside. It starts with you.
One of my favorite ways to relax and refresh is to grab a bite to eat by myself. There's no one else to talk to -- you're alone with your thoughts, your food, and peace and quiet. Decompress. Take a notebook. Remember, balance begins inside. It starts with you.
4. If you are sick, stay home.
The winter season is also flu season. My office was already hit hard this year. If you are sick, take the day off. This is a point of pride for some people: “I’m sick, and I’m still here.” That isn’t something to brag about. For one thing, you are going to get sicker. And you are going to get others sick, crippling productivity.
5. Cut down on commuting time.
Many companies are based in major metropolitan cities such as Chicago, NYC and, for us, Los Angeles. The dense populations of these cities leads to lengthy commuting times for many founders.
I am fortunate enough to work within walking distance from my company. If at all possible, my pro tip is to locate your business close to your home or vice versa. This means less wasted time spent commuting.
If working within close proximity isn't possible, a great way to maintain good work-life balance is to operate from home in the mornings and afternoons and commute to and from work when traffic is lessened.
I am fortunate enough to work within walking distance from my company. If at all possible, my pro tip is to locate your business close to your home or vice versa. This means less wasted time spent commuting.
If working within close proximity isn't possible, a great way to maintain good work-life balance is to operate from home in the mornings and afternoons and commute to and from work when traffic is lessened.
6. Put the phone down.
When you are with your loved ones, put your phone in a different room for an hour. I’ve come to realize that quality time is more important than the quantity of time. You can’t truly give someone your time and attention if your phone is within eyesight. With the increased busyness of the season, give your family your best attention.
7. When you are with family and friends, don’t talk about work.
If you are a CEO of an exciting company like I am, you'll likely find that friends and family are constantly checking in to hear the latest and greatest. When I’m asked how the company is doing, I simply say, “We are doing great. How is everything going with you?”
Turn it around on the other person as soon as possible. I believe people would much rather talk about something they can relate to, and it provides you with a much-needed break from talking about work.
Lastly, I'll leave you with this: On their deathbed, no one ever says they wish they would have worked more. The holiday season is a time to spend with loved ones and reflect. So, spend quality time with your friends and family. That way, when you are at work, you can put 100 percent of your energy into your business.
See more at Quanta
Turn it around on the other person as soon as possible. I believe people would much rather talk about something they can relate to, and it provides you with a much-needed break from talking about work.
Lastly, I'll leave you with this: On their deathbed, no one ever says they wish they would have worked more. The holiday season is a time to spend with loved ones and reflect. So, spend quality time with your friends and family. That way, when you are at work, you can put 100 percent of your energy into your business.
See more at Quanta
