Treat Yourself as Well as You Treat Your Clients

Most of us do what we can to keep our clients happy (within reason). When you spend most of your effort trying to please your clients, it’s easy to forget about meeting your own needs. Ignoring your health, family and personal time may seem like a small sacrifice at first. After awhile though, you may grow to resent everything you’ve given up for the sake of your business.

There are a few ways to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

Pace yourself. Realize your limitations and stop working when you’ve accomplished the goals you’ve set for the day. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your business (that’s one of the goals of working for yourself, isn’t it?) but too much of a good thing can be harmful and ultimately lead to burnout.

Schedule time with your family. Whether you plan a four-day getaway or agree to a two-day staycation, turn off your business and tune in to your family.  Sure, you may need to answer a few e-mails (emphasis on the word “few”), but the goal is to focus your time and energy on your family. After your getaway, don’t be surprised if you feel recharged and your family feels they’ve reconnected with you.

Take time to educate yourself. Whether you (virtually) attend online webinars, take evening classes or plow through magazines (both printed and online), make an effort to keep up with the changes in your industry.

Create a balance between your business needs and your personal needs. If you travel often for business but enjoy working out, schedule a time on your calendar to exercise. Treat the appointment the same way you would an appointment with a client, and keep it. Schedule time to get together with the group of friends you used to meet for lunch or dinner, but had to put aside for business. When you wait for the opportune time to do something for yourself, it rarely happens. You have to schedule it.

You’re taking the time to give your clients “world class service.” Why not expect the same service from yourself?