Is Your Business Slowly Taking Over Your Life?

Yesterday afternoon, I was ready to go for a jog.

I just wrapped up a long presentation to a syndication mastermind group.

You’d think I’d be taking a minute to relax..

But instead, I found myself reviewing numbers and crunching data…from my living room couch.

What was meant to be some downtime quickly turned into my next task.

Sound familiar?

If you’re an entrepreneur, you know this feeling all too well.

The lines between personal and professional are a blurry mess.

You might even wonder if it’s possible to have a true work-life balance.

Today, we’re going to talk about the silent struggle of syndicators — when work never ends and life gets left behind.

Is it possible to balance the two?

Let’s find out.

Why This Matters

Running a business is not a 9-to-5 job.

In fact, you've rebelled against that lifestyle.

You've traded "building your boss's dreams on your time" for a business where work happens everywhere.

During family dinners, late at night, even while walking the dog (sorry Rosy).

Research shows this “boundary-less-ness” is common for entrepreneurs.

We dream of time freedom.

But right now, we're working long hours and making constant sacrifices.

Here’s the problem

When work invades every part of your life, burnout is inevitable.

And your relationships can take a serious hit.

Studies show that entrepreneurs with poor boundaries are more likely to experience strained marriages and rate themselves as worse parents.

Setting distinctive boundaries seems counter-productive.

But, you’ll enjoy a happier personal life AND a more productive business.

After all, the most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones working non-stop.

They’re the ones who protect their time.

What Doesn’t Work

Most entrepreneurs try to push through the imbalance.

They think that if they just keep going a little longer, success will uncover that balance they crave.

But as Tahir (2022) points out, waiting for balance never works.

Business demands grow, and the elusive “right time” to focus on personal life never arrives.

Another common approach?

Complete flexibility.

Sure, you work when you want.

But that often means working all the time. Managing tasks is often easier than managing the people of our lives.

A flexible schedule can turn into a 24/7 grind if there aren’t clear boundaries in place (Ezzedeen & Zikic, 2017).

So, What Works?

If you’re serious about creating a business for the long haul, it’s time to get intentional about boundaries.

Here’s how:

1. Designate “No Work” Zones

Whether it’s your dining room table or Sunday mornings, decide where and when work is off-limits.

Studies show that simple boundaries like this improve mental well-being and productivity (Majini & Bella, 2023).

2. Get Smart About Technology

Your phone makes it too easy to stay connected. Turn off notifications.

Better yet - use separate devices for work and personal life.

Research shows that limiting tech during personal time improves creativity (Cook, 2023).

3. Start with Small Boundaries

You don’t have to overhaul your entire schedule at once.

Start with small, clear boundaries — like no work after 7 PM.

Or keep your phone out of your bedroom (Adisa et al., 2019).

Action Steps You Can Take Today

1. Set a “Closing Time”

Pick a time each day when you stop working.

Set an alarm if needed.

And stick to it.

Bonus points if your alarm plays a song that signals "leisure time."

2. Reclaim Your Weekends

This weekend, take a full day without checking emails or thinking about work.

Use that time to recharge and enjoy personal activities.

Sometimes, the tasks that move the needle aren't tasks at all.

3. Block Personal Time

Schedule time on your calendar for things like hobbies, exercise, or family time.

Call it a business meeting if you have to.

Protect that time fiercely.

Start making these shifts today, and you’ll notice a difference.

Making bold decisions requires mental clarity.

Running a business is hard.

But your personal life shouldn’t be the casualty.

You have the right to both — a thriving business and a fulfilling personal life.

But it starts with creating boundaries that work for you.

Be good to yourself,

Chris

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I help you:

1. Become a $500MM Syndicator

A 1:1 custom experience designed to 3x your capital raising and 10x your assets under management. Train your brain to make success inevitable without sacrificing your personal life.

2. STAR Syndicator Group

Want quick wins to end the year?

This 6-week group will find and destroy your limiting beliefs. Reply “group” for details of our next group.

Sources:

• Adisa et al. (2019), In Search of Perfect Boundaries? Entrepreneurs’ Work-Life Balance

• Majini & Bella (2023), Creating Boundaries to Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

• Ezzedeen & Zikic (2017), Finding Balance Amid Boundarylessness: An Interpretive Study of Entrepreneurial Work–Life Balance and Boundary Management

• Tahir (2022), Work-Life Balance: Is an Entrepreneurial Career the Solution?