One of the most frequent topics that I find in coaching others is the work and family balance issue. So often people are working a home-based business at the same time they are working full or part time, and/or taking care of their family.

I am here to encourage anyone that all hope is not lost and balance can be achieved. It starts with creating boundaries, organizing and simplifying your business and life, and then making a plan and sticking to it.

First, one of the best benefits of working a home-based business is that we get to be our own bosses. And, that is also one of the biggest downfalls. So many either work all the time on their home business, neglecting family and other obligations, or the exact opposite and procrastinate on business building activities and spend too much time on other activities.

The solution? Start with deciding what is a priority for you. For me, it’s God first, family second and work third. So, when I am scheduling my days, I always keep this balance in mind. You must create boundaries and then stick to them. Assign office hours for your business and assign time for your family as well. Focus on the most productive activities that you can do for your business when you have scheduled work time.

Second, spend some time organizing and decluttering. Create systems for your business that will save you time in the long run. For example, I have a filing system that I set up 11+ years ago, and it is still going strong. I know that when a paper comes in and needs to be filed, that I can file it in just a few seconds. If you don’t have good systems in place, you will waste a lot of time.

Clutter is another time waster. If you have a cluttered desk or work area, it will take you longer to find things (phone numbers for your prospects!) and you waste time you could have spent working in a more productive activity. So, take the time up front to clear up the clutter in your home and home office to allow you the opportunity to work from a more productive space.

Lastly, you need to have a plan. Schedule your month, schedule your week and schedule your day. Decide when you will work, and what you will work on. Create “to do” lists and pick out the top 20% of your activities to focus on – those that will make the biggest impact in your business or life. And, know when to say “no”. When office hours are over, close up shop, stop working and go spend wonderful time with your family or other activities. Be fully present in the moment, and live each day to the fullest!

Dr. Laura Aridgides is an organization and time management expert. In addition to running a successful direct sales business and a network marketing business for over 11 years, she is CEO of OrganizeNOW (www.OrganizeNOW.info). OrganizeNOW specializes in helping home-based business owners and self-employed entrepreneurs increase productivity and profit in their businesses by teaching them how to incorporate systems that will make them more organized, and effective with their time. The strategies that Laura teaches literally save hundreds of hours of wasted time in your business. She is on a mission to help you have the best business possible, while still maintaining the right priorities and balance in your life. Laura is the author of the book Organization for Home-Based Business Professionals, the 4 CD series Get Your Office In Order, three video training series, and is available for individual or group coaching. You can contact her at 802-264-4884 laura@OrganizeNOW.info, or visit her on the web at www.OrganizeNOW.info for more information. You can also get tips and strategies for home-based business success on Dr. Laura’s blog at www.WhoIsLaura.com.

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