Balancing passion projects with business demands is like juggling multiple balls in the air. Each ball represents a different aspect of your life and work: one ball is your passion project, another is your core business responsibilities, and the rest might be personal commitments, team management, or client needs. If you focus too much on one ball, others may drop. The key is to keep all the balls moving in a rhythm that works for you, ensuring none of them fall to the ground.
Examples of Passion Projects for Small Business Owners
Passion projects can vary widely depending on the industry and personal interests of the business owner. Here are a few examples:
- Creative Ventures
A graphic designer who owns a design studio might have a passion project involving creating a personal art collection or launching a design blog to showcase their creative work and connect with other artists. - Community Engagement
A café owner might be passionate about community development and run a series of workshops or local events, such as open mic nights or art shows, to engage with the local community and build relationships beyond their regular business operations. - Innovation and Research
An entrepreneur in the tech industry might be working on developing a new app or exploring innovative solutions for industry challenges. This project could be separate from their main business but still closely aligned with their professional interests. - Education and Training
A fitness trainer with a successful gym might be passionate about creating an online fitness course or writing a book on wellness, aiming to reach a broader audience and share their expertise beyond their local client base. - Social Causes
A boutique owner who is passionate about sustainability might dedicate time to developing a line of eco-friendly products or participating in campaigns to promote ethical fashion.
6 Ways to Create Balance
- Set Clear Priorities
Identify what’s most important for both your passion project and your business. For example, if you’re a tech entrepreneur working on an innovative app, prioritize critical milestones for the app’s development while ensuring your core business operations are smoothly running. Understanding which tasks are urgent and which are important helps you manage your time and energy more effectively. Outline what you aim to achieve, both short- and long-term. This will help you to stay motivated and focused by breaking down tasks into smaller milestones.
- Create a Structured Schedule
Develop a detailed schedule that allocates specific blocks of time to different tasks. For instance, you might reserve mornings for client meetings and project management, and evenings for working on your personal art collection or blog. Using tools like calendars and task management apps can help you stick to this schedule and avoid overcommitting. On the list of priorities, you can’t put the project above your responsibilities. So, give yourself a little more leeway with your time windows. If you think something should take a certain amount of time, be sure to double or even triple it. Even then, there will be times when you are just not feeling it. That is normal.
While a passion project can be a child born from your own heart, working on the same thing for a time can lead to burnout. It is easier to be motivated to do something when it is an idea. Our brains tend to focus on rewards and outcomes rather than the work involved in achieving said outcomes, up until we actually sit down to make those ideas a reality. Just don’t be too hard on yourself when you don’t achieve your goals within your set deadlines. Just keep working consistently and progress will be made. When you have only a limited amount of time to work on your project on the side, it doesn’t really benefit you to use that time thinking about what you’re going to spend that time on. Plan what parts of the project will be seen to at what times. Assign specific tasks to each session.
- Establish Boundaries
Define clear boundaries between work and personal time. For instance, if you’re running community events as a passion project, set specific days or times when you focus solely on these activities, and communicate these boundaries to your team and clients to manage expectations effectively. Don’t blend together different responsibilities and tasks. Allotted time is allotted time. Time for work should not bleed into the time set aside for your project, and vise-versa. The more things your brain has to juggle at a given moment, the less efficient you will be. When it is time for work, don’t dedicate your mind to the project. When it is time to work on your project, focus on it. Switch off your notifications and minimize distractions. And when it is time to rest, make sure you rest, both mentally and physically.
- Delegate and Collaborate
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate business tasks to team members, or consider outsourcing tasks that don’t require your direct involvement. Similarly, collaborate with others on your passion project, such as working with a co-author for a book or partnering with local artists for community events. This not only helps in managing time better, but also brings in diverse perspectives and skills. Just because it is your passion project does not mean you need to shoulder all of its weight. If other people can help you with tasks, let them do so, especially if you’re not adept at those tasks.
Additionally, communicate with others. Tell them about your project and your plans, and tell them where you are struggling. Lightening the load of your other responsibilities is something that the people who care for you will do within reason.
- Regularly Assess and Adjust
Periodically review your progress and the balance between your passion project and business demands. For example, if you notice that the workload from your innovative app is interfering with your client meetings, reassess your schedule and adjust your priorities to ensure both areas are adequately addressed. Flexibility and periodic adjustments help in adapting to changing circumstances and ensure that both your business and passion project continue to thrive. - Replenish your energy and your inspiration
Projects are time-consuming and can drain your energy, both mentally and physically. You need to find ways to recuperate that energy, otherwise you will burn yourself out. Take time out to do something other than work on your project. Find another hobby that you can enjoy, or just take breaks in general. Yes, consistency is key, so take breaks consistently.
Everyone feels uninspired at some points. That’s natural. Go back to your initial goals and revisit why you started in the first place. If you are struggling to come up with solutions to a challenge, find new ideas and inspirations. Fuel your creativity through books, workshops, or like-minded individuals whose brains you can pick apart. Lastly, make sure to surround yourself with a positive environment that will keep your passions alive.
By understanding the juggling act of balancing these responsibilities and using these practical tips, small business owners and entrepreneurs can find a manageable and effective way to pursue their passions without compromising their core business objectives. But remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the learning experiences. Your passion project can be a means of personal growth for you if you let it. Just stay focused and motivated, and don’t lose sight of why you started in the first place.
It won’t always be easy, so we wish you the best of luck on your journey.