How do I ensure I’m prioritizing time for my health and relationships?

Prioritizing time for health and relationships while building a freelance career or exploring passive income opportunities is crucial, yet it can feel like a balancing act. Let me share a bit from my journey and some strategies that have worked for me.

In the early stages of breaking away from corporate life, I found myself pouring all my energy into my new ventures, mistakenly believing hustle meant success. But soon, burnout loomed. I had to redefine success beyond financial achievements, to include well-being and meaningful connections.

Here’s a practical approach to ensure you're prioritizing time for your health and relationships:

1. Schedule Non-Negotiables: Just like you would with meetings or deadlines, schedule time for workouts, meal prep, and family or friend interactions. They are your non-negotiables. Treat them as sacred appointments.

2. The Power of Routine: Develop a routine that incorporates time for health and relationships. For example, start your day with a quick home workout or end it with a walk outside to decompress and connect with your partner or a friend.

3. Batching Time for Efficiency: Use time-batching techniques to group similar tasks, allowing you dedicated blocks for work, exercise, and social interaction without constant switching. This might mean setting aside specific hours or days for personal commitments.

4. Boundaries Are Key: Establish clear boundaries with work. When freelancing or pursuing passive income, it's easy for work to bleed into all hours. Define work hours and stick to them to make room for other priorities.

5. Reflection and Adjustment: Regularly reflect on how you're spending your time and adjust as needed. This is where the Capture, Develop, Expose framework can help. Capture what's working and what's not in your current schedule. Develop strategies to improve, and openly expose the challenges and triumphs by sharing them with trusted friends or a community, which adds a layer of accountability.

6. Shared Activities: Find ways to combine health and relationships where possible. Cook a healthy meal with loved ones or join a fitness class together. It’s a win-win for nurturing bonds and well-being.

Remember, success is about crafting a life that you’re proud of and that feels fulfilling—not just checking boxes. It may not always be a perfect balance, but with intentionality, it can be a rewarding dance.