So I did a poll on my instagram to find out what topic I should write on and everyone (including me lol) wants to know how we balance life responsibilities and passions. By the grace of God, I have been able to balance a full-time job as an inhouse lawyer, release music and do gigs/collaborations, launch CUL/TURE, a Conscious Interruption (CUL/TURE:ACI) and continue in some may to run that business. All the while whilst studying and taking ridiculous law exams on the path to qualification.
To be transparent, I would say that I am currently in my worst balancing era… I am really struggling, so I am starting to work with an amazing life coach to get me on track again. However, here are some things that have helped me and continue to help me.
- Giving my best effort to whatever I do
When we are talking about balance, inherently it means you have at least 2 things competing. But the first principle I would implore you to keep in mind is, whatever you have on the go, give it your best effort. If you have a 9-5 you have to honour that. When we show up to work we still represent the Kingdom of Heaven – Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Colossians 3:23).
You could juggle 5 things at once, but if any one of those things does not get your 100% effort, it will show and eventually will suffer for it. In the art of balance, you have to find a way that works for you where whatever you decide to take on, you are in a position to give it 100% effort (to the time you apportion to it… time management chat below).
Importantly here, I am more so speaking about the “add ons”. For example being a parent is a non-negotiable core responsibility, as is your main 9-5 that pays the bills. Starting a business then in these cases would be an “add on”. If you know, you are not in a position to “add on”, that is okayyyy. Adding things to an already chaotic life is tough and in nearly all cases, you will need some help, a community to make it work.
All I would ask is that you ask yourself – what are my core/non-negotiable responsibilities? can I give this project/passion my best effort while honouring my responsibilities? and if not, what do I need to put in place to permit be to do that to give this project a chance?
- Sacrificing where necessary
I used to feel really resentful when I saw my friends or coworkers just chilling on an evening or weekend, when I know full well I have an evening or weekend of figuring out how to write a business plan, business accounting, or funding, marketing, design ideas… social media. All of that.
Any entrepreneur/creative will tell you that if you want your business/idea to have a chance, you have to be ok with sacrificing time (with friends, family), money, opportunities, rest/sleep. At least in the beginning stages, that is the game. It is you, and your business or idea. In order to breathe life into that thing it requires you to sacrifice elsewhere. In your spirit, you just have to be ok with that.
- Actually having a passion for my passion projects
A couple of questions for you re your passion project(s)
1) what is the short term goal you are currently working toward (eg to launch a new product/finish writing a song)?
2) what is the long term aspirational goal?
Providing that the answers to the above are descript (and are actually achievable), you can use these to motivate you. I read somewhere that you have to fall in love with the mission/problem you are trying to solve. If you do not have a meaningful love, reason for doing, or there is some aimless end goal, it aint gon’ work. Give your project a chance by actually liking it. It makes the late nights and sacrifices worth it.
- Being practical – time management/discipline
Lastly, a pretty obvious one. If you are attempting to balance a passion with your core responsibilities you need to be disciplined and have great time management.
My trick, after my 9-5 I then embark on my evening shift which involves all my creative work. I also use Saturday as my “passions 9-5 day” and then Sunday (should be but often isn’t) is a rest day.
Plan ahead, schedule your week and days using a good planner. Here are some things below which I schedule into my days. If this seems a little ocd, it’s because it is. Moral of the story, whatever is important to you, actively make time for it:
- The 9-5 work day (and any overtime)
- Rest/nap
- cooking/eating
- Writing music/studio sessions
- CUL/TURE:ACI business admin
- CUL/TURE:ACI social media/mailing list
- CUL/TUR:ACI designing and planning
- CUL/URE:ACI (projects and everything else)
- Cleaning my flat
- Time to read (self-help or resources to help my business)
- Bible Study
- Spending quiet time with God
- Quality time with friends
- Helping friends with their passion projects
- Family time
- Gym and running (often I use lunch breaks or recently late nights)
- Writing blogs
- Mentoring sessions
I am sooo precious about my time, and you should be too. We do not get time back and what you give your time and energy to, impacts your ability to balance harmoniously.
To close
So much could be said about this topic and as I said, I do not profess to be an expert. I am 100% still learning to show up to all my responsibilities my best and authentic self, with discipline. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.
How are you balancing? Have you got some tips for ya girl and for the readers? Leave me a comment and holla at me on insta @dominique.octave, I always love hearing from yall.
