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Balancing Act Of An Online Entrepreneur

Balance Your Time Entrepreneurs!There Is A Balancing Act Of An Online Entrepreneur

If you are an internet marketer, network marketer or some other type of online entrepreneur, you may find it a bit of a struggle to balance all the various tasks on a daily basis.

Conducting business online is different than most real world jobs and careers.

 

 

The Life of the Online Entrepreneur

For one thing, you are accountable to yourself, and only yourself.  Nobody tells you what to do, how much or when.  It’s all up to you.

Now that can be said of any entrepreneurial business, whether it is online or offline.  But the online entrepreneur has so much more distraction and divergent possibilities every moment of the day.

Just open your computer.

Now you have to choose.  Check your Facebook messages? Post a status update?  What about your email, or that special project your should dive right into.  Social Media?  Your Blog?  Your opt-ins?

If you’re not very careful and extremely disciplined, you could end up going in a totally non-productive direction for half your day before you even realize it.

But that’s only the beginning of the balancing act you must perform constantly.

Do you carry your phone everywhere you go, to keep up with your business?

Are you answering every tweet, every beep on your computer and/or phone?

 

How’s Your Balancing Act Doing?

My BIG question is… how are you balancing your time and work flow when you start your business day online?

It is so easy to get caught up in our virtual world of business.  Heck, we even have more virtual friends that we communicate with rather than our neighbors.

Running an online business can suck you into a vacuum.  It is so easy because we depend on our computer, phones, iPads and such.  That’s fine, but how do we balance it all?

If we miss one or two days we get so backed up and overwhelmed it can get us upset, even to the point of resisting our return to the saddle.

Balance is important.  

But you’re not an extension of your computer.  You have to balance your life with the real world, too.

 

Life Beyond The Home Office or Kitchen Table

As an internet marketer, you to spend time outside.  Even more than if you went to work at an office.  When you’re locked into your computer, hours, even days can go by that you don’t even leave the house.  It’s important to balance your life with regularly scheduled walks, or other activity out of the house.

Enjoy a walk in the sun (without an mp3 or iPhone).  Take advantage of your gym membership that may be collecting dust.  Take some time out every day to do something other than business.

Get out in that 3-dimensional world!  Play golf, tennis, or be a spectator of sports.  There is a life outside. Go for it.

 

Where Did My Family Go?

Don’t overlook the importance of spending time with your family.  And that means even turning your phone off when you’re with your family.  It’s so easy to take your family for granted when they’re in the same house with you so much of the time.  

But being in the same house doesn’t mean you’re communicating and spending some quality time together.  Break away from your work and give your family attention, conversation and play!

 

 My Call To Action (CTA, anyone?)

If your online work is creating disharmony and imbalance in your life, make some changes (I hate the term “New Year resolution”).

My call to action:  Take at least one hour per day to shut off all your computers, toys, phone and other gadgets.  Get dressed, go outside, take a drive or walk, or just sit in the park and see what happens.  If you have a story to share, please do so in the comments.  If you disagree, I would like to hear that too.

 

Blessings,

Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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56 Responses to Balancing Act Of An Online Entrepreneur

  1. Dakota February 22, 2013 at 8:08 pm #

    Hey Donna (my Grandmother’s name!),

    I am a bit different in that I still have school to work on also. I am not looking to do this for a living but would like to spread my wings and maybe pick up an extra pair of earrings:)

    I think it is excellent advice to step away. An hour sounds good to me. I personally take Sunday’s off of the computer altogether and that is helpful.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      February 22, 2013 at 10:33 pm #

      Hi Dakota,

      No matter how or why you are at your computer, it is always great to take a break and give your eyeballs a rest lol.

      Also, taking Sunday’s off is a great idea. We cannot become slaves to the computer. It is so easy to slip into that, but seems like you are doing a great job.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Guest Posting – Tried And Tested Brand Boosters!My Profile

  2. Joe Dalio January 21, 2013 at 2:29 pm #

    I am seeking to begin this entrepreneurial life as soon as possible. I very much appreciate this helpful article, especially the information confirming that it’s a not a life completely full of roses. It’s still very much worth it though : )
    Joe Dalio recently posted..What Is Your Vision Of Success?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 24, 2013 at 12:46 am #

      Thanks Joe for visiting my blog.

      The entrepreneurial life is great, but as any business it takes time and patience.

      To me, working all hours of the day is my passion. Not only am I writing content, teaching, etc, but I am also learning every day. That to me is a blessing.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Things Go WrongMy Profile

  3. Sarah Arrow
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2013 at 10:11 am #

    Hi Donna, I’ve recently started to “schedule” family time as I found that work was eating into it. Of course work is important but I’d reached the point where I was out of balance and needed fine tuning.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 20, 2013 at 5:29 pm #

      I think we all reach that point Sarah!

      When we do, it is a big red flag for us to balance our time. When putting family first, I find that the rest falls into place.

      When I was raising my daughter and doing my offline work, I had to form a schedule where she was not feeling neglected.

      I was lucky to have an office just a few blocks away, and walked back and forth most of the day when she was home. We had family dinners which I always found important. Then I would go back to my office and finish my work. Sometimes she came with me and sat outside the office doing her homework. Sometimes she would stay at home.

      The point is, we started our own business so we can have freedom. And we need to take advantage of that.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  4. Viola Tam January 19, 2013 at 8:40 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    What you say about “being in the same house doesn’t mean you’re communicating and spending some quality time together” is so true! Quality time is the key!

    Likewise, when operating our business from home, it often means messing up family life with our working life. This is why it is super-important to have a work routine. Schedule in time to make phone calls, time to reply emails, time to be doing ‘projects’ such as Facebook Forum engagement’ or blogging.

    Teaching kids to respect the working schedule also helps. Let them know that ‘Mummy is going to make some phone calls. When you have finished doing this homework, I would be playing with you.” Children need to learn that there are work commitments. Having mum at home does not mean that they can come to mum 24/7. They can learn great work ethics this way.

    An excellent Call to Action! Thanks, Donna!

    Viola The Business Mum
    Viola Tam recently posted..What’s Inside Navigating the Network Marketing MazeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 20, 2013 at 5:22 pm #

      Very true Viola!

      One of my clients is a Network Marketer and home schools her two daughters. At first she was apprehensive about doing work at home. But her daughters respect “mommy time on the phone and on the computer.”

      They are now little entrepreneurs! Children learn more by example than by word of mouth. My client has a great schedule with her children, and now they want to start their own business.

      They also learned the value of money. When my client has people over her house to introduce them to her business, her daughters play a role in it. One takes a sign up sheet, the other does demonstrations with her mom.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  5. Rick Lelchuk January 19, 2013 at 11:21 am #

    Donna,

    I have been blessed to have noticed the lack of balance in my life and made some necessary adjustments. I realized that I was going to be too old at some point in time to enjoy the fruits of my labor. It must be enjoyed along the way too.

    Great advise and a needed heads up. Like look up from your computer, your travel schedule, your networking, your business and really smell the roses before it’s too late.

    Thanks, Donna,

    RICK
    Rick Lelchuk recently posted..Faith: The Intangible PowerMy Profile

  6. Shelley Alexander January 19, 2013 at 1:50 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You are right on target with this post. It really can be hard to find balance when you have a online business. I found this out last year when I spent more time working then enjoying a personal life. This year is going to be different for me and I vow to take time for breaks and for spending time with family and friends. Thanks for all the wonderful tips!

    Best,

    Shelley
    Shelley Alexander recently posted..10 Healing Affirmations for Vibrant Health and WellnessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:58 pm #

      I’m going to hold you to it Shelley!

      Balancing is so important. We are so connected with our business because the truth is, we love it.

      But we also love our family and friends, and especially our selves!

      Wishing you well on your “vow”

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  7. Julieanne van Zyl January 18, 2013 at 10:29 pm #

    Hi Donna, great advice from you, as usual! I’m guilty of spending too much time behind this computer:-) It’s so tempting. I do have most Sundays off though, and I go for a walk every day and exercise (downstairs away from the computer:-)

    Hope you’re finding balance as well Donna, have a lovely weekend!
    Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..10 Reasons For Blog Marketing In Your MLM BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:57 pm #

      Hi Julienne,

      How easy is it for us to spend too much time in front of our computers! After all we are doing what we love to do.

      BUT….we do have to take care of other things in our lives. First our selves Exercise, relaxing, meditating, etc. It takes time!

      The our family which entails cooking and eating a great diet … you know the score!

      Taking into consideration all that time we can devote to, will pull us away from our computer screen, no matter how tempting it is.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  8. Garen January 18, 2013 at 9:56 pm #

    It’s so easy to get distracted, but follow a plan. Write it down and check it off every day. Make sure you do it. I shut off my email notification when working. In fact, I won’t check Facebook, Twitter, Google +1. I have found it helps to get a couple weeks ahead so when setbacks arise (and they will) you don’t feel like you wasted your time.

    True, you got to take a break. My break is playing games on my laptop or PS3. I get out of my office. Work is work and when I am not doing it I have to get out You’ll get burnt out working for hours upon hours. I skip around to different jobs or task so I am not doing the same thing for to long (have to mix it up or I will end up in the nuthouse). A lot of stuff I can do when designing graphics and just listen to music (makes it lot easier to relax, too).
    Garen recently posted..iPod Shuffle 2 G.B. ContestMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:46 pm #

      Hi Garen,

      Absolutely true when you say you skip around to different jobs or tasks, so you are not doing the same thing for too long our you will end up in the nuthouse! LOL

      We need to follow a plan and one that we do BEFORE checking Facbook and other social sites. Those sites have a way to pull you in and sometimes lose track of time.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  9. Clint Butler January 18, 2013 at 9:51 pm #

    I had a hard time with this when I first got started. I spread myself so thin that I was not enjoying what I was doing. Much less having any success at anything.

    Once I started balancing everything properly, things took off.
    Clint Butler recently posted..Viral Content Is A Marketers Pipe DreamMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:43 pm #

      I think we all had this problem at the beginning Clint!

      But as we learn that it can burn us out very quickly, we start to make some changes.

      Even though those changes can be productive, we still need our time!

      Thanks for stopping by,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  10. Mayura
    Twitter:
    January 18, 2013 at 11:57 am #

    Hey Donna,

    The balance is very important 🙂 Actually I’ve got to know that when I have less time to spend online like I do in this month.

    Anyway as I feel, though I being with PC most of the time it didn’t hurt much for family though 🙂 I do talk with my mom about an incident while tying the comment on your blog 😀 lol…

    I know it’s not about talking but as I start to care more about the health, I take some time out than before 🙂 It’s alright if someone wanna success doing everything but I need family too. I wanna grow with ’em while being responsible and as I heard from friends who have lost their parents, I value my time with family even more. Time never comes again, so cherish every moment, right dear? 🙂

    I may not able to go outside everyday but I love being with my family all the time 🙂 Home is heaven for me.

    Have a lovely weekend ahead dear 🙂

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..Add Descriptive Captions for Images and Photos in BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:35 pm #

      How refreshing to hear Mayura!

      For such a young man, you are wise beyond your years. Having that mindset to value your family is wonderful. We never know how long we will have our parents with us. You my friend, have that clear in your heart and that is wonderful.

      It is wonderful to hear you enjoy your family. Here in the U.S. it is quite different. Yes, young people love their families, but the go away to college and then get out on their own usually. Sometimes they move miles away from their parents.

      Oh there are a few that have family values like you do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  11. Carol Lynn January 18, 2013 at 10:58 am #

    That’s one “resolution” I need to make, Donna. I find it very difficult to turn off. I always feel like if I take my eyes off my email/Facebook/blog for two seconds then something will happen that I’ll miss something and regret it later. I do a pretty good job balancing my work day. I have a set schedule for certain things I do on a regular basis, so I follow that without going off into the weeds. And I recently started being very diligent about tracking my time so I can see where I’m using it and where I’m losing it.

    You are absolutely right that you need to balance work AND life, and make sure your family is at the top of your list. Thanks for being an inspiration!
    Carol Lynn recently posted..The New LinkedIn For Business: How To Define Your BrandMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:31 pm #

      Hi Carol,

      I know how hard you work, but time has to be valued! Spending time with ourSelves is important too. Sometimes we need to be alone to do something we love doing.
      If I take a short walk during the day and “tune out” I notice the little things that are so beautiful around me. It not only is good exercise, but a mental break.

      When I get back, my mind is clear and focused, thereby being more productive than ever!

      Blessings,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  12. Sadie-Michaela Harris January 18, 2013 at 7:39 am #

    Donna, well said Madame!
    It is so important not only to take an hour away from all our gadget but it is also very important when working online to take regular screen breaks too. I really had to take myself in hand with this, it is so easy to sit for hours without realising it when we are engrossed in and interested by what we are doing isn’t it?!
    Sunshine and fresh air are great tonics for us all to enjoy …. when the sun appears that is! 🙂
    Sadie-Michaela Harris recently posted..Will The UK Embrace Making Payments Mobile Phone in 2013?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:22 pm #

      I hear ya Sadie!

      One day I found myself still in my P.J.’s and it was 5:00 pm. My husband asked if there was anything prepared for dinner. Oh my gosh! My screen had sucked me in so much so that I didn’t even eat all day.

      That’s when I got an AHA moment. Who the heck wants to be in that position. That is when I took myself by the hand and created a DMO.

      Thanks for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  13. Dr. Erica Goodstone
    Twitter:
    January 18, 2013 at 1:18 am #

    Donna,

    You have described this computer obsession quite well. I just read a post by Ted Hunsaker which made it sound so easy to just create content, promote it and send emails to your list.

    Well I start my day by checking emails to see if there is anything important to respond to, like a new client or a special event. I sign up for any webinars that might help me with something I am currently focused on, such as promoting my books or writing more Kindle books. Then I stop at Facebook and check my notifications and comments on my posts and then I glance at comments from others. Lately, as part of a 30 day blogging challenge, I write a new blog post each day. I see some private clients. I often go out for lunch and get to the post office and bank. I keep putting off certain things, such as sending more emails or a newsletter to my lists or entering names from business cards of people I have recently met.

    And then I attend some local events – just attended a 2 day event and I have not caught up with my emails yet. I had taken Gavin Moutford’s course awhile ago that trained me to get my inbox down to zero. I did that only temporarily because the next day it is full again.

    So it is a daily attempt to balance all the different aspects of the online world and to decide which is most beneficial. 2013 will be my year to streamline this process.

    Warmly,

    Dr. Erica
    Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Melatonin and your Health: 11 Factors You Ought to Know. Guest Post by Clare KelwayMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:19 pm #

      Thanks so much for sharing your “typical” day.

      It is a great example of creating a good DMO. But as you mention, going to a 2 day event, does back up those emails!

      There is always other things we want to do or learn, but as long as we keep our mindset focused, we are OK!

      It is a daily balance with all the different aspects of the online and offline world that can cause overwhelm. But on the other hand, if we do it calmly and focused, we can truly balance!

      Thanks again,
      Donna
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  14. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    January 17, 2013 at 11:17 pm #

    Amen Donna. Your call to action is along the lines that I feel are important as well. Step away from the internet, the computer, the cell phone. I think if we don’t take that break, we can create disharmony in our lives as we strive to do our business. Balance is the key. Thanks for reminding us what we need to do.
    God Bless,
    Barbara
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  15. Celeste Smucker January 17, 2013 at 9:06 pm #

    Such good advice Donna. I have a volunteer job that I do which gets me out of the house and away from my computer…but then I have a computer over there so not sure it counts. Doing something entirely different like going out for a walk or reading a book can make such a difference. Having animals is a big help…they are a nice distraction and if they are like my dogs, they know one of their responsibilities is to get me out every day so we all get a walk. Great post, great reminder. I think I’ll take a break:) Thanks.
    Celeste Smucker recently posted..To Live Younger Longer, Cultivate HappinessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:46 am #

      Hi Celeste,

      I can resonate with you and your dogs. I have 3 and they do get me into reality. I have no choice but to take breaks to satisfy their needs.

      Also, reading a book and especially getting away from our work and volunteering is a wonderful outlook.

      Donna
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  16. Steve Borgman January 17, 2013 at 6:35 pm #

    I was listening to Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income Podcast yesterday. He was talking about all the things he wish he knew before he got started as an entrepreneur. One of the things he mentioned was a) the importance of connecting with people outside one’s home: internet business can be lonely; and b) the necessity of carving out a schedule for one’s business, and disciplining ourselves to leave work once we are done. Those suggestions dovetail nicely with yours.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:44 am #

      Hi Steve,

      I like b) the necessity of carving out a schedule for one’s business and disciplining ourselves to leave work once it is done. We do have to make that time to step away from the computer and get out there to connect with people.

      As for the internet being a lonely place? I found more friends here than I ever had in my life. I guess it is because I have reached out.

      Donna
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  17. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    January 17, 2013 at 12:58 pm #

    Such an important message Donna, because you are so right about the balancing act. You know how I know when I’ve become “unbalanced?” When I wake up in the morning and I honestly do not know what day it is – seriously! And of course life only grows more complex over time as you work to grow your business around your blogging activities. I’m in the process of expanding my brand into a new direction and that requires a solid system to make sure I stay focused and on task, otherwise I’d fall into serious overwhelm. As it is there are days when I teeter on the edge 🙂
    marquita herald recently posted..Experience Greater Calm, Clarity and Focus with Just 10 Mindful Minutes a DayMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2013 at 2:41 am #

      Oh do I know that Edge Marty.

      I believe we all experience that! We need to focus on the balance otherwise, we can lose track and fall into overwhelm. And it is especially worse when we know how it works lol.

      I’m sure you will make it through!

      Donnna
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  18. Carrie January 17, 2013 at 12:18 pm #

    I am an online entrepreneur too. I enjoy working from home. Being able to set my own working hours, work in my PJ’s if I choose, take breaks whenever I like, create my own rules, etc.Every morning I choose to open my laptop and I tend to check my e-mail account first, then check my blog (update my post), start working on my client requests, and check my FB and Twitter account as well. Haha. It’s really a habit.I need to find a balance. Lately I’ve been coming a bit frustrated due to all the requests or tasks that I need to complete within 16-20 hours per day.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 18, 2013 at 5:27 pm #

      Hi Carrie,

      Your business can sometimes control YOU! This is why we need that balance. Time is precious! We have to value our time no matter what we are doing.

      As long as we don’t juggle or let our tasks get in the way of what we want to do, we are O.K.

      I would say a little time management research and applying it would be a great thing to do for you.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  19. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    January 17, 2013 at 1:45 am #

    Hi Donna

    Yeah I can comment today!

    I am getting better but still find it difficult to go a day without checking Facebook and email. I take my phone most places and if I forget it I sort of panic.

    I do always start my day with either the gym, yoga or the beach where I walk and swim.

    Even before I worked at home I took work home with me though. I have been self employed or in my (our) own businesses since my twenties so I have always worked a bit too much.

    As I get older I am more conscious that life does not last forever and I need to have more balance.

    Great message Donna
    Sue Price recently posted..Debunking the Myths of Empower NetworkMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 18, 2013 at 5:25 pm #

      I was always an entrepreneur too Sue!

      I worked harder than anyone having a nine to five job. But it was always a labor of love.

      I’ve learned how to balance my business a long time ago, but…. I still fall into that trap sometimes. I have to remind myself that life is too short and the reason I do this is to enjoy life.

      Cheers!
      Donna
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  20. Robin J Emdon January 16, 2013 at 4:38 pm #

    Yes, balance is sooo important! So easy to get it wrong! Still better than being told when you can go to the bathroom, vacation, drink a glass of water etc – because you are a lowly ’employee’! Ugh! ~Robin~ 🙂
    Robin J Emdon recently posted..Numismatic Coins Vs Bullion – The Residual Income Formula ContinuedMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 18, 2013 at 5:16 pm #

      I know that feeling Robin.

      I spent a few years in my younger days working on Wall Street. It was so horrible to be told what and when to do something. I felt like a prisoner allowed two weeks a year to have my own life.

      Needless to say, I became an entrepreneur at a very young age!

      Donna
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  21. Lydia Brown January 15, 2013 at 5:02 pm #

    Donna as the years have gone by I have gotten better but it is still a challenge to be disciplined consistently. I have found that I must write things down, stay away from my emails until I am done for the day or the day is wasted. I am using some tools that have freed me up from worrying when I travel and yet still I fall behind. Good news I enjoy what I do and I see improvement. Thank you for this post.
    Lydia Brown recently posted..How to Use FORM to Engage ProspectsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 15, 2013 at 6:14 pm #

      Hi Lydia,

      I think our balance is all a work in progress. Sometimes I expect too much of myself and find myself in trouble.

      The balancing act is quite difficult when we run our own business. It is a mindset that we have to create. And be up front with our customers/clients that we need a day off too.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  22. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    January 15, 2013 at 2:38 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Well, I don’t get away from the computer for an entire hour during the day but I take 30 minutes at lunch, 30 minutes in the middle of the afternoon to go for a walk, 45 minutes for dinner and then 10 minutes four times a day to take Kayla outside. So I do get up from this computer and I do take some time for myself. It really does help break things up especially when you’re ready for a break.

    I do schedule my day pretty much too so sometimes things may get off a bit but for the most part I stay pretty much on schedule. I’ve been taking more time off throughout the weekend and I’m doing much better then I was the years before.

    Thanks for this wonderful reminder. It really does help.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..How Are You Spending Your TimeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 15, 2013 at 6:22 pm #

      Adrienne,

      You certainly do follow your schedule! I’ve seen you not only on your blog but on the social media with persistence. You seem to have it all squared away!

      Thank God for Kayla! Dogs do having a way for getting us away from the computer even when we are in the middle of things!

      You have your time so well scheduled. I wish I can do that.

      It is good to know you are taking more time on the weekends. You need that girl!

      Donna
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  23. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    January 15, 2013 at 12:42 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is really an interesting topic. While being able to work from home is AWESOME, it does present its own challenges as well as there is lots of distractions as you said.

    I find Work and Family Balance in this hectic world is tough, and working from home can seem like the solution but it is isolating us from the outside world.

    I like your suggestion by getting in the habit of taking some time off from work and do something outside.

    Thanks for such a great reminder Donna. I tend to forget myself sometimes in front of the computer.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 15, 2013 at 6:24 pm #

      I know what you mean Neamat!

      Sometimes I catch myself at five in the afternoon still in my pj’s because I’m so wrapped up with my computer.

      When this happens, it is a red flag that I’m not doing things correctly. I have been working on “time for me” and making it a habit.

      I believe that once we do make a commitment to the gym, to our family, etc. and schedule a day and time to do it, we become more balanced.

      Thanks for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  24. Steve Vernon January 15, 2013 at 11:19 am #

    Oh Donna! Have you hit the nail on the proverbial head!!!! <<>> I am MORE than confident that 99% of online marketers out there can relate to every single word you’ve posted here! Ironically, I was sort of forced into rediscovering the 3-dimensional word (as you call it) when my trusty 5-year-old laptop gave me the blue screen of death and totally crashed just before Thanksgiving. I rediscovered such arcain items as books. There was even such a thing as a real, old-fashion library up the street where I had to go for a while to get online access (limited to 2 hours a day per library policy). Because of the limited daily access to computers, I actually had to find other things to do with my time. It caused me to fall way behind in my business, but I believe it was worth it, because it made me realize how much I had attached myself to my computer. I rediscovered reading (real books), walking, even just sitting outside and watching nature for periods of time. How refreshing! I also found myself not rushing home in the evenings from my part-time job (which I thoroughly enjoy, by the way) and spent more time hanging around and visiting with real people. Amazing! LOL! To all our fellow online marketers . . . believe Donna and me . . . there really IS a world out there (and an enjoyable one at that) beyond the computer monitor! Check it out! It might even help you improve your business, not to mention your life in general!

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 15, 2013 at 7:54 pm #

      A blessing that your computer “died” Steve.

      It is so great to read what you shared. Wow…a real book! Amazing. I have several stacked up at my side as I speak. I do read real books when I travel. But lately, I have taken those lovelies to bed with me and it is so amazing how it took me back to the old days.

      When you mentioned sitting outside and watching nature….I can relate. I made that part of my life several months ago. Once a week, David and I go on a “trip to nowhere” and find ourselves in the most amazing places. Once we ended up at a bird sanctuary. Miles of trails and it was wonderful.

      There does exist a life outside from our electronic toys. People tease us because we don’t have a GPS in our car. If I told you of the wonderful adventures we found getting lost, I could write a book.

      I also am not a slave to my phone. Never was and never will be. It just goes against my grain of quality of life.

      Thanks for sharing Steve.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  25. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    January 15, 2013 at 8:28 am #

    Very interesting topic, Donna

    Well, as I was telling someone else in a blog comment yesterday, I have many different jobs and for that reason I need to be extremely meticulous about how I spend my time. So I schedule everything to a T and write down crazy details such as “erase emails”, “comment of so and so blog”, prepare for X post, Complete X order, etc. This is the ONLY way I’m not losing my mind in my business 🙂

    The thing that you mentioned and that saves my butt is that I DO NOT use my cell phone, for anything else but take calls and make calls. I am not a cell phone phobic, thank God, and would hate to be one 🙂

    Thank you for these great reminders, Donna.
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Article Marketing Then And Now What’s The Difference?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 15, 2013 at 8:08 pm #

      Sylviane,

      Because I know you well, I just don’t know how you handle it all! Yes you are a woman of many hats and schedules.

      Thank God you don’t use your cell phone when you step out. It is saving your sanity!

      Hugs,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  26. Martin Casper January 14, 2013 at 4:41 pm #

    This is a problem that all entrepreneurs face. It is a problem that is becoming more and more prevalent with struggling economies and rapidly evolving changes in the way we do business online. I could not agree with you more. We all need to stop and take a few minutes to relax, breathe, get some exercise.
    Martin Casper recently posted..The Danger of Neglecting Your Offline Sphere of InfluenceMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 15, 2013 at 8:10 pm #

      You Bet Martin!

      It is so important to unplug and just be! With all our electronic do-dads we are receiving information on a continual basis.

      For me, I need to break away and be at one mind/body and spirit..especially spirit!

      Being an entrepreneur is living a life of one. We have to make sure that we remember why we took this path. To be free. To be free enough to control our time.

      Thanks for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  27. Bruno Buergi January 14, 2013 at 4:17 pm #

    To find the balance as a home business owner is sometimes a bit difficult. There is always so many things you should and can do that you often forget the time. The best thing is in my opinion to have a clear plan how you work and when you stop working so that you can spend enough time with your family.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 18, 2013 at 5:10 pm #

      Absolutely Bruno!

      We do have to pencil in that time with our family lol! Working from home has its ups and downs. We can easily get distracted from why the heck we are doing it in the first place.

      Or worse, get so absorbed into it that we ignore our family. Then our heads get filled up with those darn “Shoulds” that can drive us crazy.

      A clear plan that we stick to with time enough to balance our lifestyle and our work is essential.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

  28. Pete Chapman January 14, 2013 at 4:13 pm #

    Hi Donna
    I love working from home… but I do find it hard to balance things out sometimes.

    I need to work to a timetable – absolutely. So you have shared some great advice here on how to get a balance.

    Best wishes

    Peter
    Pete Chapman recently posted..The True Story Behind Bottled WaterMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 18, 2013 at 5:05 pm #

      Hey Pete,

      Working from home is not as easy as it sounds. Yes, there are so many benefits to it, but we have to stick to our time management.

      We also have to learn discipline. That was a difficult task for me! In order to get all my tasks done in a day, I had to create a way to do it.

      Good luck with it Pete,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online EntrepreneurMy Profile

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