Balance, what a desirable state of being. As much as I would love to say I’ve found a magical solution to life’s craziness and trying to balance working full time (yes, 4 days a week is full time for most dentist’s I know) and growing this blog as a business I most certainly haven’t. Lately, I have found a few changes that have really helped me and tried to take charge of my time and energy.

Learn to say no.

In general, I think women especially are people pleasers and almost immediately say YES to everything. I know I do and I have really tried to grow into someone who identifies when that is appropriate and balance it with not being a selfish person. It’s a tough balance as the blog grows because I have worked so hard on this space and love to see it flourish but at the same time want to maintain my free weekends and time spent with my family and friends.

Lower your expectations.

I think recently I’ve learned to not set so many expectations. If I need to shoot on a Sunday that’s okay and I will make sure I spend the rest of that day enjoying my husband and friends instead of feeling guilty about ‘that thing I didn’t get done’ constantly. We all need to be a little kinder to ourselves and especially for those of us whose pictures are dependent on being outside and can’t catch a break with this Chicago weather its not exactly the most predictable activity.

Find a structure that works for you.

I’ve also started restructuring my day off from dentistry aka blog work day, Wednesday. In the past I would shoot photos in the morning and then have lunch and try to get into writing. I would almost never get everything accomplished I needed to and be irritated I was still on my computer all night answering emails and writing posts. This last week I decided to switch it up. I woke up early, made a giant Nespresso latte & sat down at my desk with a specific schedule written out. I kept my phone and any social media closed and blocked out 15-45 min segments for different tasks. I realized by 1pm I had gotten more done than I ever had and still felt like I had the whole day ahead of me. I realized on days I need to write and shoot it’s so much easier to shoot at the end of the day than the beginning.

What have you guys been finding helpful? I know everyone is always stretched thin whether it’s work, family or a side hustle and I am trying to incorporate little tips from friends. Hope you’re all having an amazing week!