One Entrepreneur On Balance: Beth Buelow

This is part of a series called "The Entrepreneurs On Balance."  This interview is with Beth Buelow.

What are your general thoughts on balance (do you think it's realistic, achievable, a top priority, etc.)?

It depends on how you define balance! The word balance has become a catch-word that means “having it all.” For instance, a balanced life would be having my career, family, friends and hobbies all coexisting and getting equal energy and attention. I’ve found it helpful to reframe the concept of balance in terms of alignment. Alignment is not about equal time or energy. It’s about being able to be fully present, at choice and in resonance with our values. In this way, balance is a state of being and a mindset. And since whether or not we are aligned with our values is a choice, balance is at our disposal at any time. It’s not something we have to wait to experience until we have more time, money or other resources.

There’s another barometer I use to gauge my balance: energy. As an introvert, I need a healthy dose of alone time to recharge my batteries after expending lots of energy running my business. Being in alignment means that I’m honoring my needs and have enough energy to do what I want to do.

What have been your biggest struggles when it comes to finding or maintaining balance between your business and personal lives?

Working from home, the boundary between work and personal time is very blurry. And because I love what I do, I get into a flow of work that’s challenging to break. Ideas and inspiration come at all hours, and I want to be able to capture them whenever they happen. This doesn’t bother me; it bothers those I love, because they want my full presence and energy when I’m with them. The alignment between my work and values is very clear. However, certain values – such as contribution and connection – are not consistently reflected in my non-work relationships.

What have been your keys to success when it comes to finding or maintaining balance between your business and personal lives?

Being aware of the boundary blur has been a big awakening. I don’t think I realized how much I was doing it until my husband pointed out (lovingly, of course!) that I was working too much and too hard. I was compromising my values of how I want to be in relationship. So I’ve realigned by making a commitment to turn off the computer earlier, to take the weekends completely off as much as possible and to be fully present when we’re together. I also am better able to articulate why my business is important to me, which helps me communicate better with my husband when I feel I need some extra space to be in work mode.

Do you have any techniques or routines that help you maintain balance (example, keeping a daily journal)?

I am beginning to implement an evening alignment exercise that emphasizes values, intentions and priorities. Using a dedicated notebook, I’m taking time at the end of every day to plan for the next. Each day page will include an acknowledgement of the specific values I want to honor that day (such as patience, compassion, humor or abundance); an intention for how I want to experience my day; and detailed priorities and tasks. This approach centers my priorities in what’s most important to me.

As for my energy, I acknowledge and honor what my mind, body and spirit need to support my best work. I take naps when I feel the need and there’s time. My intense focus means I can sit working for hours and not get up, so I try to give myself periodic breaks by doing non-work activities, such as unloading the dishwasher, folding clothes or playing with the cats. I’ve heard about scientific studies that show our effectiveness and attention starts to decline after 45 minutes of work, so my goal is to take a break every 45 minutes to refresh my eyes and mind… it doesn’t always work out that way, but I try!

How important is balance to your success as a business owner or entrepreneur?

It’s extremely important! Since many of my coaching clients bring energy and balance challenges to their session, there’s an element of “walking the talk” for me. If I am living in balance, then I can ask questions and make observations from a place of experience and authenticity. Beyond that, my success is closely linked to how well I’m in alignment in every aspect of my business. It’s important that every choice be made in the context of intention and values. This is what keeps me balanced.

Any final thoughts on finding and maintaining balance?

Balance looks different for different people. What works for me, might not work for you. Be willing to notice when you feel out of alignment. Take time to reflect on what doesn’t feel right. Remember that you’re always at choice, and determine what choice is going to best serve you. I’m a firm believer that if you make choices based on your personal values, balance will come naturally.

Beth Buelow is founder of The Introvert Entrepreneur, which provides services and resources to support the success of introverts in an extroverted world. She is particularly passionate about working with introverted entrepreneurs to understand, own and leverage their strengths. As a certified professional coach and licensed Living Your Vision® facilitator, Beth offers personal coaching, group coaching, workshops, teleclasses and retreats. You can learn more and connect with Beth at TheIntrovertEntrepreneur.com.