One Entrepreneur On Balance: Deb Brown

This is part of a series called "The Entrepreneurs On Balance."  This interview is with Deb Brown.

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

Balance is achievable, but only after someone has really thought about their values and set their priorities. Those exercises help you clarify what you really want and can support how you outsource other activities that may be important to do but don't provide significant life reward. For example, grocery shopping for some is a hugely appealing activity, but if it takes you away from other things you appreciate more, then perhaps it's time to find another way to do the shopping more efficiently (like on-line or through a service like Time Creators).

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

Because my business is about helping other people attain balance, it can be really easy for me to lose my balance. I've determined that certain times are sacred to me and schedule them on the calendar to ensure I have time with family and friends. I've also learned to delegate and have hired associates to help me grow my business. While it's difficult to hand someone else a project for "my business", I realize I need to delegate to succeed and grow.

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

I try to be fully present in my personal life when it's family time.  That means turning off the computer, not checking email, and just being in the moment with them.  Sometimes it's hard, because as a business owner, you feel that pull to do "just one more thing."

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

I have a routine that includes a daily devotional, keeping a gratitude journal, and spending quality time with my family. I'm working at adding in exercise, too.

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

The reason I started my business was that I didn't think a traditional job would allow me the flexibility and balance that I desired for myself and my family.  If I sacrifice my priorities in order to have a successful business, I will regret it in the end.  If I don't have balance, I get burned out.  I know, I've tried it before.

Any final thoughts on finding and maintaining balance?

Balance is really critical to success. We need it as business owners to be able to take a break and come back refreshed and ready to roll. We crave it as humans, to be able to spend time with family and friends and  pursuing things we love. I think too many people get stuck on perfection. Finding and maintaining balance is a delicate experiment and we have to be OK that we won't always be perfect at it.

Deb Brown is the founder of Time Creators, a firm that specializes in helping entrepreneurs find more time in their days to address all the things that can and should be done.  Time Creators provides a variety of services and packages to help business owners, especially female entrepreneurs, with support they need to balance their passion for their growing businesses with their love for family and friends. Services vary depending on client needs, but can include everything from personal shopping, event coordination, delivery service or even waiting what seems like countless minutes for the repairperson to arrive.  You can find Deb on Facebook here.