I just told Tim that if I only achieve one thing in my life it will be to find a way of building a successful small business without working excessively long hours.

So far, I am failing dismally.

 

I've just finished reading Balance is Bunk (which was written about 2 years ago but I happened to find on Google when searching for something entirely different). The article fills me with a sense of immense dread. I'm young! I don't want to spend my entire twenties looking at a computer screen, nor do I think I should have to. The thing is, I'm yet to meet someone who owns a small business and tells a different story. 

Working Smarter, Not Longer 

I'm interested in hearing other peoples tips, but since we've implemented a stern 8-9 hour day, 5 day week, I've noticed that these things help: 

• Work Intensly.

  When you feel like you are waivering, you are no longer working. Take a break (a proper break, away from the office, the computer and talks about work).
  Outcome: Instead of having 'slow times' at work, where you fit about 1 hours work into 2 or three. All your work time is up time, all your play time gives you a refreshing boost.

• Get a Life.

  It's sad but true. The longer you work, the less time you have for the rest of your life, and eventually it just dwindles down to nothing. Your so fixated on work that when you do get a spare minute, you brain can no longer fathom the idea of what else you could do, so back to the computer you go.
  Outcome: I, for one, feel a lot more creative and energised when I start work in the morning after an evening of doing something (anything) else. This helps you get more done in less time.

• Take Random Days/Hours Off.
  

  In those beginning stages where the only thing a small business really seems to have going for it is your freedom, make use of it. While everyone else you know is at work, go to the beach.
  Outcome: You remember why you started a business in the first place. Aside from that, your start back at work again feeling that little bit more inspired, and yes, that does help you get more done, faster.

• Get Organised!
  

  This is possibly the most important. Stop wasting time with badly managed projects, or managing your invoices in a spreadsheet, or writing your leads down on scraps of paper. Seriously, get some of these tools we talk about!
  Outcome: Things take less time. You spend less time chasing clients, or rummaging through emails and bits of paper. Everything is where it should be and you can easily prioritise and tick off tasks. The more organised you get, the more you feel this immense sense of relief flowing thorugh you. Things run smoothly, projects finish on their due dates, customers are happy…

Maybe this post is a bit off toic, but people seem to be getting a little more talkative round these parts and I'm genuinely sick of hearing about meltdowns, high stress and wasted youth ;) And I don't like to hear that there is no other way…

Update: Loved reading this post by A List Apart about the 4 day week. It IS possible! Also read Shut Up and Get to Work by Jason Fried.

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