Written by Mark W. Guay, Men's Coach
Mark Guay is an Integral Certified Coach and IFS practitioner. He is the founder of Fathers Without Compromise, a group coaching program and community for business-owning dads to be great fathers and build a great business without compromising one or the other.
As I write this, I have spit-up on my shirt and stale coffee breath. I may or may not have forgotten to brush my teeth. But I got in my cold plunge this morning and signed off on a new contract to bring my family into a new tax bracket. So… things are looking pretty good.
Yet, navigating the choppy waters of business growth while being an engaged father is no easy feat (see my comment above). It demands a disciplined approach to time management and learning to ride the waves of toddler meltdowns and contract negotiation, where every moment counts and each decision matters. Here are some strategies to help you achieve that delicate balance to build a great business and be a great father without compromising one or the other.
1. Set clear vision and priorities
First, work with your partner to identify a clear vision for your family and communicate this to your children. Your business’ purpose is to help your family live out this vision. Knowing your priorities helps streamline your decisions about time allocation, ensuring you’re following through on your word and living in alignment with your values.
2. Create a structured schedule
Your time is your most valuable asset. Allocate specific times for work and family, and stick to this schedule with boundaried precision. Your yes should be yes, and your no should mean no. Be the dad who follows through with his word.
3. Use time-blocking techniques
Embrace time-blocking. Dedicate chunks of time to specific tasks or activities. Block out periods for uninterrupted work and carve out separate blocks for family activities. This helps you stay laser-focused, eliminating the chaos of multitasking. Research shows that multi-tasking is a myth, and single-tasking is how you create meaningful work. The same goes for fathering. Don’t be the dad looking down at his phone. Be present.
4. Limit distractions and time wasters
Identify and minimize distractions. Find ways to minimize these productivity killers, whether it’s incessant emails, social media, or mundane chores. Turn off notifications and set specific times to check emails. Protect your time like it’s your most valuable asset—because it is.
5. Delegate and outsource
You’re not a superhero, and you don’t need to be. Delegate tasks within your business to trusted employees or outsource to capable freelancers. Get your family involved in household chores at home, making them part of the team. This delegation frees up your time, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
6. Set realistic expectations
Ditch the perfectionist mindset. Understand that you can’t do everything flawlessly. Set realistic daily goals, and don’t beat yourself up when things don’t go as planned. Perfection is the enemy of progress.
7. Use technology efficiently
Harness the power of technology. Employ time management tools like calendars, reminder apps, or project management software. These tools can keep you organized and efficient, ensuring you’re always on top of your game.
8. Love yourself immensely
Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise, and personal downtime. A well-rested and healthy leader is more productive and focused at work and home.
Take of yourself and call upon your Inner Father to guide you when you feel the weight of stress on your shoulders. This exercise will help and so will this meditation.
9. Quality over quantity in family time
When it comes to family, make it count. Focus on high-quality, engaging interactions rather than just clocking hours. Turn off the television and turn toward each other. Plan activities require interaction, creating lasting memories and strong bonds.
10. Regularly review and adjust your schedule
Life is dynamic, and your schedule should be too. Review how well your current schedule works and make adjustments as needed. Listen to feedback from your partner and kids just like you do with your staff.
11. Communicate with your family
Keep the lines of communication wide open. Talk to your family about your work, explain its importance, and listen to their needs. Mutual understanding and support are the bedrock of a balanced life.
12. Learn to say no
Saying no opens up the ability to say yes to what really matters. And people will respect you more. Learn the art of saying no. You’ll need to decline certain requests or opportunities to maintain your balance. Saying no isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a declaration of your commitment to what truly matters.
Remember, discipline is about making conscious choices and sticking to them. It’s not just about strict scheduling but also about being adaptable and understanding what’s truly important at any moment. Embrace this disciplined approach, and you’ll find yourself growing a successful business and being the present, engaged dad your kids need and deserve.
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Read more from Mark W. Guay
Mark W. Guay, Men's Coach
Mark Guay is an Integral Certified Coach and IFS practitioner. He is the founder of Fathers Without Compromise, a group coaching program and community for business-owning dads to be great fathers and build a great business without compromising one or the other. As an adoptee and survivor of childhood domestic violence, he leads with this approach: To really change our lives, we must heal the past and embrace the unknown. To do this, we need self-accountability, the courage to take decisive action, a community of support, and trust that doors will appear, leading us on our path.
