5 Easy Tips for Keeping Work-Life Balance

Lately I've been getting real and sharing how our imperfections and struggles can actually help people more. With that, I've opened up about burning out and needing to take more time for self-care.

While I don't believe a work-life balance exists in the way of a perfect 50/50, I DO believe in the ebbs and flows. I believe in pulling ourselves back to a home base and remaining self-aware.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. In fact, this is one of my favorite quotes:

"Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." - Eleanor Brownn

And of course, my own motto is: When you feel your best, you'll do your best.

Today we have Per Wickstrom sharing his 5 favorite tips for work-life balance.

Per struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for decades. Thankfully he found help through a rehab program and began his path to recovery. He has a passion for helping others and went on to develop his own drug rehab program.

Per understands the power of helping one another. He's learned a great deal about the importance of self-care in business and entrepreneurship.

I appreciate and respect his journey, so I couldn't turn down the opportunity to have him share.

Please join the discussion and share your own self-care and balance tips in the comments!

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5 Tips for Keeping Work-Life Balance

On the road to professional success, it can be easy to lose sight of your personal life. When work is your focus, seeing loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and taking time for yourself often fall to the wayside. But it’s important for your mental health and the well-being of your family to find a balance between work and home. Here are a few tips for maintaining a happy work-life balance:

1 | Meditate

Whether you do it in the morning when you wake up, or just before starting work to get you focused, set aside time to meditate each day. We’re so quick to move straight into the next activity that we rarely pause to appreciate the transitions throughout the day. Our minds should get to take a moment to relax and reboot!

2 | Focus your attention on one item at a time

You probably have a lot of different responsibilities to take care of on a daily basis, so it’s understandable that they might be on your mind. But if you can learn to focus completely on the task at hand, you’ll not only be happier, you’ll be more productive. Leave work at work and keep home off your mind as much as possible.

3 | Eliminate distractions

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s not fair to suggest you leave your phone completely out of reach while at work. You can, however, limit your vulnerability to false alarms and interruptions. If you work a desk job, for example, that might mean turning your personal phone on airplane mode while you finish working on a project. If you’re at home, it means turning off your phone and any alerts about work. Be in the present moment where you are.

If you work at a desk job or somewhere you can be on your phone, don’t sit on social media all day. Limit yourself to only work-related websites, and if you find yourself feeling tempted, there are even apps you can install on your browser that will block unproductive sites.

4 | Remind yourself of your motivations

You may tell yourself that it’s all for the family, but if you think you might be overworking, reexamine your motivation. Why are you working so much? If it’s to provide a better life for your family, make sure you’re not sacrificing vital time with them now. Sure, a third grade production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” may seem like a little thing to miss if there’s a multi-million dollar deal on the table, but consider that you may be losing your family little thing by little thing.

5 | Celebrate holidays

Don’t skip the holidays. Sure, they’re a day that you could really get ahead. But it’s a free day off! Make the most of it! See your best friend, hang out with your kids, visit the local park, or even simply appreciate a few hours of extra sleep. You ever notice how holidays tend to come at times when you could really use a break? Embrace it.

Finding success in your professional life doesn’t have to mean giving up the rest of your values and hobbies. By finding the right balance, you can excel in any area and even use the different hats you wear to work in each others favor.

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About Per

Per Wickstrom is the CEO ofBest Drug Rehabilitation Center. Founded on the principles of natural healing, BDR is one of the largest holistic rehabilitation centers in the country. He is a recovering addict and firm believer that everyone has the power to make healthy changes for themselves. To learn more, follow Per on Twitter and Facebook.

Chasing Dreams: Buying a Subway Franchise at 24 {An Interview with Amy Hunter}

This interview is part of the Chasing Dreams interview series. I've interviewed a variety of entrepreneurs and small business owners who have chosen a different path in life in order to go after his or her dream career. Have an entrepreneur in mind you'd like to learn more about? Let me know! Today's interview is with Amy Hunter, a friend of mine from college. We both graduated from Shippensburg University in 2010 with degrees in marketing. I worked at Subway for 4 years, and we both have a passion for health, wellness and entrepreneurship, so naturally, I had to have her on the blog! Read on to learn about her journey buying a Subway franchise with her boyfriend while in their early twenties.

At what point did you know you wanted to follow this career path? How did you know this was the right direction?

I explored the idea of owing my own business my senior year in college. My partner, Alex and I looked around at all of our options and because of our lack of previous business ownership experience we decided franchising was best for us because of their strong brand recognition, proven methods, and relatively low start-up costs.

What are the biggest struggles you've faced while trying to achieve your dreams?

A lack of capital. There were very strict requirements regarding obtaining financing. After several interviews and meetings with different financial institutions everything eventually sorted itself.

Owning your own business can be tough on the body and mind, between long days, instability and really putting yourself out there to reach your goals. How do you stay healthy? Do you have any rituals that help you stay centered?

Early on l made a commitment to eat healthy. I enjoy making my own smoothies using fresh fruits and vegetables. I also enjoy indulging in a SUBWAY veggie delight with avocado. I try to exercise as much as I can by practicing yoga and squeezing in mini workouts before I go to bed. I end my day by reading a good book or one of my favorite blogs.

Speaking of putting yourself out there, overcoming rejection is a big part of chasing dreams. How do you bounce back?

No. It was actually the opposite with the Subway franchise.  They are always excited to have young, enthusiastic people on board.

What do you do when you're having an off day- maybe feeling down, struggling with self-doubt, or just unmotivated?

I shift my thoughts from focusing on the negative by reminding myself of everything I am grateful for.  I also talk it out with Alex which quickly reminds me that I'm not alone on this journey and that we are in this together. Sharing my doubts with him always makes me feel better. Sneaking a SUBWAY cookie doesn't hurt either!

What is one misconception people have about you and/or your profession?

The most common misconception is that we are rich and have a lot of free time. Starting out, it is the exact opposite. You have no free time and are financially restricted.

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way?

How to prioritize my time. There are only 24 hours in a day and you have to learn how to utilize them. Each and every second is precious.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a life coach?

Make sure you do your research. Know the ins and outs of the business you want to get into. You have to understand that when you own a business it's more than just a job. It is part of what defines you. Franchising is a unique business because you have to have the entrepreneurial spirit to be motivated to be successful but at the same time you have to have the discipline to work within a set plan.

When do you feel the most inspired, alive and the most like YOU?

At my restaurant working with Alex and our dedicated staff which are extremely hard working. We are grateful to have such an exceptional group of individuals working with us.

What people, books, music, etc. inspire you?

I am inspired and motivated by anyone that works hard and has a passion for what they do. I now realize how much effort goes into becoming successful.

Describe your favorite moment or accomplishment in your career so far.

I am proud to have been in business for almost two years. With our anniversary coming up in November, and after reflecting on the ordeals we had to endure, I have come to realize that they really were learning experiences and amazing accomplishments.

What’s the most exciting thing going on in your life right now?

I enjoy each day as it comes. I'm excited about my future and planning my next business adventure!

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BIO

Amy Hunter is the owner/operator of a Subway franchise which has been in operation since November of 2012. She graduated from Shippensburg University in PA with a BSBA in Marketing in 2010. She is passionate about yoga, bike riding, and living a healthy lifestyle. Amy currently resides in Harrisburg, PA.

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Have questions for Amy about owning a franchise? Ask her in the comments!

Chasing Dreams: Becoming a Life Coach {An Interview with Dr. Danielle Dowling}

This interview is part of the Chasing Dreams interview series. I've interviewed a variety of entrepreneurs and small business owners who have chosen a different path in life in order to go after his or her dream career. Have an entrepreneur in mind you'd like to learn more about? Let me know! Today's interview is with Dr. Danielle Dowling, my mentor and an all-around inspiration. She motivates and inspires women all over the world in matters of life, love + business. Read on to learn about her journey to where she is today and the struggles she's faced becoming a life coach. She also shares invaluable tips for anyone dreaming of following the same path (or any entrepreneurial path).

At what point did you know you wanted to follow this career path? How did you know this was the right direction?

When I turned 30 I began considering legacy and contribution. When I was 80 years old I wanted to be able to look back on my life and feel like I made a significant difference, for the good, in peoples lives.  I deeply desire for others to feel good in their skin; empowered and hopeful.

And when I can help another feel this way I experience true aliveness.

What are the biggest struggles you've faced while trying to achieve your dreams?

Not getting caught up in comparison has been THE biggest struggle. There are a plethora of talented, bright women out there doing exactly what I do and it can be not only daunting by intimidating if I let it.  I really call on my spiritual practice to keep my head clear and my heart open when it comes to competition and comparison. I try to celebrate everyone's success and trust that if it exists for them then it exists for me as well.  There is enough business and innovation to go around!

Owning your own business can be tough on the body and mind, between long days, instability and really putting yourself out there to reach your goals. How do you stay healthy? Do you have any rituals that help you stay centered?

I have a “feel good formula,” that I try to live by more often than not. The formula consists a few things that I have discovered if I do on a regular basis allows me to stay mostly well centered, calm and joyful.  It includes: 15 minutes of silence in the morning to sit at my window with a cup of coffee and breathe into the day; a green juice or cold pressed juice 4x a week, a 1 hour workout comprised of cardio and weights 4x a week, restorative yoga on Sundays and most nights in bed with lights off by 10 pm.  And of course tons of hugs from my honey!  ;-)

Speaking of putting yourself out there, overcoming rejection is a big part of chasing dreams. How do you bounce back?

I have a huge faith that Universe is always working on my (and all of our) behalfs and so fundamentally I believe that everything that happens in my life happens for my benefit. If I don’t get the client, the article feature, the call back, the acknowledgement etc….even though I might be disappointed I assume that for whatever reason it is simply not the right timing or match.  I am usually “shown” later on why it was not and are grateful things have worked out they way they have.

Rejection can be a good thing. It clears your plate for all sorts of groovy, better fitting opportunities to show up.

Whenever I get rejected I say, “Ok, well...good.  Now there is more room for the right thing to show up.”

What do you do when you're having an off day- maybe feeling down, struggling with self-doubt, or just unmotivated?

I begin by just noticing that I am “off” and that it’s OK.  Sometimes we have “off” and unmotivated days….such is life. I don’t think we need, nor is it healthy, to force ourselves to be ‘on top of the world’ so-to-speak at all times.  Not every day will be charged with high energy confidence and productivity nor should it be.

If I am feeling down I will first consult my “feel good formula” list for help.  For me a 30 minute workout can often times make  all the difference in my mood….I will head into a workout feeling sluggish, unmotivated or just blue and as I gently ease my way into a jog I can begin to feel my mood lift a bit.  Even if I don’t feel 100% better, I go to bed that night knowing that I was kind to myself by engaging in a healthy activity.

What is one misconception people have about you and/or your profession?

That it’s been easy, and I just arrived here overnight.

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Small daily actions add up to huge accomplishments.  Success rests on your daily routine.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a life coach?

I highly recommend keeping a full time day job or a solid part time job while building your business. I kept a full time job up until one year ago. I earned both my masters and my doctorate by attending graduate school at night and working during the day.  In my free moments and during lunch hours I would work on my blog and social media presence. It was truly my day job that provided the seed money for my growing business and the money to pay my grad school bills!  It was not easy but I am thanking myself over and over again when I look at my bank account for keeping the job as long as I did.  I could easily be $100K in debt, and I am not.

Pay attention to your intuition.  When you start to get a lot of competing advice ask yourself:  'What is true for me?"

Never underestimate the importance of social media and diversification with social media.  You don't want to have your entire audience belong to one platform. It doesn't matter if you have 250K fans on Twitter they don't really belong to you.  They belong to Twitter and if twitter changes their engagement platform and you can't reach that audience with out paying for it (kind of like Facebook...) then you're screwed.  The only audience you own is your email sign up list---have one.

When do you feel the most inspired, alive and the most like YOU?

When I am out in nature, doing yoga or coaching.

What people, books, music, etc. inspire you?

Marianne Williamson, Caroline Myss, Brene Brown,  A Course in Miracles, The New Earth, Jazz, pop music, classical music, meditation music. I love to color! I know that sounds so crazy, but I love to grab a box of crayons and a coloring book and just zone out. Oh, and 1000x over my clients!  They are amazing, brave, inspiring souls and I learn just as much from them as they hopefully do from me.  They seriously bring tears to my eyes.

Describe your favorite moment or accomplishment in your career so far.

The day my first client hired me and the fact that I tripled my revenue last year.

What’s the most exciting thing going on in your life right now?

I am launching a 1 Day Intensive for my coaching clients, a book called Soul Sessions this fall and a group class early spring 2015.

Oh!  And how can I forget----I'm getting married on November 7th of this year.  Yay!

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BIO

Dr. Danielle Dowling is a life coach and psychologist. She's an intuitive strategist working with women leaders who are ready to stop compromising on the things that matter most — self-realization, soulful companionship and accessing innate power. Her goal is to motivate women to live inspiring lives; to help them experience a life better lived and to help women achieve their dreams whatever they may be. Connect with Danielle on Twitter and Pinterest. Ready to step up your game? Hire her. You won't regret it.

Website // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Have questions for Danielle about becoming a life coach? Ask her in the comments!

Should you list prices on your website?

I debated for quite awhile about whether I'd list my prices. I've even changed it three times since my website has gone live. There's no right or wrong answer for this question, but it's worth considering.

The argument for listing prices:

+ Listing your prices works as a filter. People will know what to expect, and you won't spend unnecessary time speaking with people who don't have the budget. It saves time for both you and the potential client.

+ Transparency is highly valued.

+ It can help with your SEO. Most people don't list their pricing, but people search for pricing all the time. Wouldn't you rather be in charge of that conversation and get the traffic?

The argument for not listing prices:

+ You might miss out on clients who don't understand the real value of your services. Since the consultation call is one-on-one, it can help you both understand the needs and value in the transaction.

+ You might work on a sliding scale or have highly customized services. This is part of what I struggled with because my work varies greatly from client to client. You might need to speak with the client and get all the details before determining a fair price.

My verdict?

I recommend listing your pricing on your website for the reasons listed above.

People are trained to look for a price when they're shopping. Even if you have customized work, list an estimate or scale so people have an idea of what they're getting into. I love this quote, and whole article, from Hubspot, "The goal is to own the price and value dialog of your product or service, so you can provide researchers with the context they need to understand your pricing model." Listing your pricing while your competition doesn't puts you in charge.

Did you know listing your price can also help with your search engine optimization? Searchengingland has a great list of reasons to list pricing, starting with your SEO.

 What do you think? Let us know in the comments why you did or didn't list pricing on your website.

Why I'm Keeping a Contracting Job in a Different Industry

I'm at the point where I could go full time with my coaching business. Instead, I'm hiring an assistant (in full transparency, it's my fiance) and keeping a contracting position in a completely different industry. Clients are often surprised that I have a contracting job that's not in the health and wellness industry. Also, why would I choose to keep a contracting job if I could make more money coaching and expand my business? I've actually gotten a lot of similar questions lately, so that's why I decided to address it.

I contract for a company that sells plumbing and drainage equipment. Not exactly in the industry I target, right? And not exactly glamorous. But hey, I've learned A LOT from this job. As a little background, I've been with this company for 3 years. I worked in the marketing department in the Alabama office for about two of those years. My position has evolved so much since I started, and I've been able to turn it into something I love. About a year into the position I wrote my own job description and title (content marketing specialist). I manage over 36 social media accounts, handle SEO, help with all of our website redesigns, help with copywriting, manage our monthly reporting and analytics (I'm SUCH a nerd for analytics), and have recently taken on managing a new marketing automation platform. Over the years I've planned huge events, was the Smartboard expert and a host of other random things. (The featured photo is one I took for a company I work with named Murdock Manufacturing.)

Why I'm keeping my position:

1. I like what I do, and they treat me well.
2. I get to travel and attend events I can't yet afford on my own.
3. I like variety in my work. I don't want to get burnt out on any one thing.
4. I contract for a B2B company, which is challenging. It keeps me on my toes.
5. I like the stability. I don't have benefits or vacation time, but I have 40 hours a week if I want them.
6. Working for yourself can be lonely. We have daily Skype meetings, so it adds some of the office interaction I don't get at home.
7. Marketing for something outside of your industry (health + wellness) can teach you a lot and help you stay creative.
8. We're always learning about new marketing tools. I feel like I learn more being part of this team than I would if I was solely responsible for my marketing awareness.

I recommend keeping a full time, or at least steady, job while building your business. Sometimes the stress of making ends meet can fuel you, but often it adds unnecessary stress and might lead you to make decisions for your business you wouldn't otherwise make. It also gives you a chance to explore what your business should feel like. Give your business room to evolve and become what it was meant to be. The other side to this, like my situation, is that if you like what you do and are learning from it, you don't have to give it up. (Quick tip: be open with your boss and coworkers, and if you're a contractor, make sure they respect your time.)

I'm frequently asked, "How do you know when to go full-time with your side gig?" It's different for everyone. Pay attention to your gut feelings.

I've come across entrepreneurs who feel guilty for hanging on to their jobs (or make me question why I do). Stop the guilt. Design your life + career however YOU see fit.

I love this post by Laura Sims at Create As Folk: Why I Took a Full-Time Job

How many of you have full time jobs and a side job? How did you make the transition?

Loving Your 9-5 Job + Finding a Job You Love

I mostly work with other entrepreneurs, but inspiring people to seek enjoyable careers is also important to me.

Let's explore:

1. Learning to love the 9-5 job you already have
2. How to find a job you love

Yes, I love being an entrepreneur, but we need all different jobs to make the world work.

There are a lot of unhappy people working 9-5 jobs (myself included at one point). I think the cause is often a mismatch of company culture with the individual's personality or a position requiring the wrong skill set. Sometimes that trickles down if the manager is not ideal for his or her position.

I've heard WAY too many people say "it's your job, you're not supposed to like it." That is a huge misconception. You won't love what you're doing all the time, no matter what job you have, but you should like your job at least 60-70% of the time. (Completely made up statistic, but you get the point.)

Jess Lively has an inspirational podcast called The Lively Show that has completely consumed me this past week. Her interview with Mr. Lively is an excellent example of how you can love your "9-5" job. They touch on company culture, which is one of the most important aspects of liking your job. Especially these days, you can find a culture that fits with you. Interview the company as much as they're interviewing you so you can get a feel for what it's like to work for that company.

The Lively Show episode with Noah Kagan also touched on similar topics. Noah mentions the "Sunday Test" - how do you feel on Sunday about going to work on Monday? I can totally relate to this. I had a job where I loved the work I was doing, but the culture didn't jive with me. I felt out of place and confused, so a feeling of dread and anxiety would come over me on Sundays. Noah also gives recommendations on how to find a job you love, even in a competitive environment.

3 Ways to Stand Out at a Job Interview:

1. Research the company
2. Have ideas for how you can improve the company
3. Know why the company should hire you

If you're doing work you enjoy, it doesn't matter if it's for someone else or yourself. In another podcast, the guest compares his internet job with a construction worker's job. While he has what some would consider a "dream job," the construction worker would hate sitting inside hunched over a computer all day. Think of how much we could accomplish if we were all well-suited for our jobs.

[Tweet "Think of how much we could accomplish if we were all well-suited for our jobs."]

So while I love to inspire entrepreneurs to go after their dreams, I want to point out that I encourage everyone to find jobs based on what will make you happy. Do something that makes you feel alive. It will work out better for everyone.

Danielle LaPorte talks about basing your actions on your "core desired feelings" in The Desire Map, and this resonates with me, too. Maybe your desired feelings are stability and community or maybe creativity and variety.

One of my core desired feelings is flexibility. I live far away from family, so I want the freedom and ability to travel and work from anywhere.

How do you want your career to make you feel? What's really important to you?

There may not be one path to what you want from a career, and what you thought you wanted may not make you happy. Let's answer a few questions to give you a different perspective:

3 Questions to Find a Job You Love:

1. How will you feel when you have your dream job?
2. What will you be doing day to day?
3. What kind of people do you want to spend every day with?

At the same time, there are ways you can learn to love the job you already have.

5 Ways to Learn to Love Your Job:

1. Ask for specific projects that more closely relate to what you want to do.
2. Request flexibility if that's what you need.
3. Make your desk and working environment more tranquil and more YOU.
4. The longer you're with a company, the more easily it will be to switch departments. Start looking for open positions within the company.
5. Don't get caught up in negative talk about your job. Focus on the positive. (Applies to life in general.)

Do you love your day job? Did you leave a job to do something you love? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

The #1 Rule for Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur

You can follow every rule, how-to and template. You can take the courses, read the books and get the credentials.

But the thing that really matters is what you do differently.

How can you get your audience's attention when it's already pulled in a million directions?

Four signs you're missing the point:

1. Your website looks like every other website in your industry.
2. You go to networking events that are filled with competitors and colleagues rather than your target audience.
3. You're following every tip but can't seem to find your tribe.
4. You're holding back in your writing and communication.

Why should anyone listen to your message? What do you have to offer that's unique? That's where you need to focus your energy.

The market place is saturated. But customization is on the rise, and no two people are exactly alike. Figure out what you can do differently, while still being authentically YOU, to stand out.

What really matters for your business is what you do DIFFERENTLY.

What helps you stick out? What do you offer that's unique in your industry?

The #1 Mistake Entrepreneurs Make

I've seen this with clients, classmates and friends time and time again. It applies to more than just starting your own business. Once I finish this course, I'll be ready to apply for that job. When things slow down, I'll be ready to get certified in X, Y or Z.

I don't have the right [business name, logo, website theme] to put myself out there yet.

I don't have enough blog followers to write that e-book.

You get the point. The #1 mistake is waiting. Not jumping into it. It's too easy to get caught up by the fear and lack of confidence, but you know how you'll gain that confidence? Experience.

You'll figure out more about your business from your clients than from yourself. You'll figure out what you want to do more of and less of.

I was speaking to a client last week who validated this thought for me. Through starting to coach clients, she realized that helping with romantic relationships wasn't quite up her alley. And that's okay. It's better to specialize and to refer people when it's not what you want to do.

You don't need to have the perfect website, blog, social media presence or even business name to get started. My logo is only a pretty font I made myself and my website and blog are currently separate. Not ideal, but it hasn't slowed me down one bit.

Follow these steps to get started TODAY:

1. Start with your legal name as your business name to skip some legal steps. In most cases you won't need to do any special registrations as long as you use your own legal name as part of the business. Example: Danielle Zeigler Coaching. My name and what I do. If you use a different name, such as Kickin' Fitness, you'll need to file as DBA (Doing Business As), at minimum. (I know, I know..that's why I don't have a fancy business name yet.)

It also allows your business to grow and change directions. I offer health coaching and business coaching, but I may not always offer both. I'm not ready to commit, so using my name is perfect. The tagline is the important part anyway.

2. Start a blog, even if it still looks like name.wordpress.com Start writing what you know and building an audience or community. You'll learn which topics you like talking about and what questions you see over and over. You'll also demonstrate your expertise. Clients like to work with someone they know and trust, so a blog is the perfect, non-committed way for someone to get to know you.

3. Put together a Wix.com website. You can even keep the ads and free domain, and you'll have a free website set up in an afternoon. It's drag and drop, and they have beautiful templates to get you started.

4. Start telling people what you do. Introduce yourself as a health coach, business coach, life coach, etc. to everyone you meet. Even if you don't have any clients yet, that's still what you do.

5. Keep your day job. You don't have to jump head-first into the world of entrepreneurship. I highly recommend keeping your day job and working in the evenings and on weekends until you have a more solid footing with your business.

What tips would you give other entrepreneurs as they get started? What did you struggle with or see success with?