Work-life balance – it’s a catch phrase that’s become very popular in the business world and as entrepreneurs strive to balance their companies’ needs with those of their families and everyday lives. For women, the balance can be especially challenging. Traditionally, men left the house every day to work, then returned home to a welcoming home. Women – whether working or not – were usually left in charge of keeping that home front on an even keel.

In the last few years, as women business owners made inroads and today represent the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. economy, those traditional roles have changed. However, in many families – much of the responsibility still rests on mom’s shoulders. And for those women who don’t have families, the balance of a healthy social life and non-business activity can be just as challenging. 

But that hasn’t stopped women from having the best of both worlds. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, women entrepreneurs tend to find satisfaction and success from building relationships with customers and employees, from having control of their own destiny, and from doing something that they consider worthwhile. People spend the majority of their lives at work, and if that work is not in alignment with personal values, then conflict is inevitable. “Women entrepreneurs have used this internal conflict as a motivation in order to create the life that they desire,” says the SBA.

For many women that life includes owning a business and managing their families. Terry Gilinger, owner of a computer consulting firm left a high paying, high profile job in New York to run a business out of her home and be there when her kids get off the school bus.  “One day it hit me, I was missing my kids growing up.  I saw them before they went to bed and on weekends and my nanny became their full time mommy.”  Gilinger, quit her job and gave up some of the luxuries her job afforded her but says she couldn’t be happier with her decision. “My family has always been my first priority, but somehow that got lost in the pursuit of my career and financial goals.  I was running on a treadmill, constantly running and trying to juggle both of my worlds.  I was exhausted and really miserable; always thinking about the kids when I was at work and always thinking about work when I was with the kids.”   Gilinger now says she has a sense of calm.  She has managed to start a new business while raising her three children.  “I have truly found a balance in my life and that is a luxury money can’t buy.”

If your own work-family-life plan is out of balance, follow these valuable tips for managing the critical areas of your life without sacrificing too much on either end:

Identify your priorities. Ask yourself are you happy with the work and family choices you have made?   Are your actions and decisions in line with your priorities?

Learn to say no!  Avoid stretching yourself too thin by making promises that you know you can’t keep. 

Book more down time for yourself and your family. Schedule time off.  Many entrepreneurs never take any time off for fear the business will fall apart without them.   Chances are your business can survive several days without you. Give yourself some freedom and empower your employees to run the company when you are not there. 

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Modern-day superwoman you’re not, so just accept the fact that as a good business manager you’re probably also very good at delegating. Whether it’s business task, personal errand or family obligation, if you can’t do it, find someone reliable who can help.  

Take some time just for you. Whether it’s for a 30-minute jog or a lunchtime walk in the park, be sure to schedule time for yourself in your busy day. You’ll find the balancing act much easier to attain if you give yourself credit for your own success and spend time nurturing yourself.