Can you relate to this?

You’re at your day job – working hard and trying to get ahead. But, what you really want to be doing is tackling your next project in your side business.

Then again, maybe you’re with your family – watching a movie or at your kid’s sports event. Rather than being in the moment, you’re checking messages or doom scrolling.

You feel guilty when you’re not working on your business and toward your goals. Yet, the pressure to be a great parent – and your inattentiveness eats you.

This is my struggle – and I know it’s many of yours too

I know many of you understand this. 

I’ve seen it in the comments and social media messages. I’ve spoken to other creators in the same boat.

We’re burned out. We’re exhausted.

And there seems to be no cure for the insanity.

I need you to know something. I get it. It’s my life too – and it’s anything but easy.

Know you’re not alone in the struggle. But, what can we do about it?

Fight to be more present with your family first

I, of all people, understand that pull for greatness in business.

We want to leave our mark on this world. We want people to know us for “our thing.”

That said, I think – no I know – we have our priorities misaligned. Yes, it’s never business or work that comes first.

It’s family. They always should be our number one.

I remember an episode of The Ed Mylett Show where he and Brendon Burchard discuss busy seasons in your life and work. One of their top suggestions? Schedule family time there first. Whether it’s a kid’s school play or your significant other’s workout time – that comes first.

Our families are our top priorities. If we treat them as such, it makes things a lot easier. 

So, start there.

Your job (or meal ticket) comes as a close second

Then, what can you do? Fill in the rest of it with your day job. 

That’s your meal ticket. Don’t neglect whatever you have to do there. 

Plus, you could acquire skills and funding for your business. Make sure you’re going for promotions too. Consider employer retirement investment matching and healthcare for the family as well. I know it’s not possible at all jobs – but keep it in mind.

Also, flip the script on the day job. I once had another entrepreneur and business coach tell me that my day job is my business funding. 

I encourage you to think of it as such as well.

Be a “time thief” with your top side business priorities

Then, of course, you find – or create the time – for the side business. Yes, we all want to make this number one. I’m with you.

But, what this inverted focus does for us is help us focus on what matters most for the side business. You’re not doing everything – you’re doing the most important things. 

Decide – and execute – on the biggest needle movers in your business or project. When you have specific time for business work – don’t check social media. No, work on the business. 

Your downtime is your business time. Yes, you need to rest and that’s important. 

But, being a “time thief” as I like to call it – when your significant other is busy and the kids are playing – is your business time. It might not always be perfectly scheduled and it may be a bit impromptu sometimes.

If that’s the case, have a list of top priorities with bullet points on what you need to do. That way, you’re not thinking about it. You can dive right into it.

Realize no plan is perfect

Make peace with the fact that this isn’t always straightforward.

No. Some things will outweigh others in our lives. That’s ok.

Don’t beat yourself up. But, if you prioritize it this way, you’ll be much happier.

You’ll have a healthy family life – where they feel secure and loved. Then, you can focus on fulfilling your dreams and goals.

This is the way.