Ep 164: Why Neglecting What Really Matters is so Dangerous [Highlight]
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Why Neglecting What Really Matters is so Dangerous [Highlight]
Entrepreneurship is demanding, and it’s easy to convince ourselves that working long hours or neglecting relationships is just “for a season.” But what happens when that season stretches on longer than you expected—or never really ends?
In this article, I share my experience as a work-from-home entrepreneur of over a decade and the lessons I’ve learned about maintaining balance, building connection, and aligning your business success with your life’s priorities.
The Danger of “Just a Season” Thinking
Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of thinking:
“I’ll push hard now, and everything else will wait.”
“Once I hit my goals, I’ll have time to focus on my relationships.”
Here’s the problem:
Seasons Stack
One season of neglect turns into another, and the damage compounds.
By the time you turn your attention back to your relationships, the foundation may have crumbled.
Repair Takes More Effort Than Maintenance
Just like in business, it’s easier to keep a customer than to win back a lost one.
Rebuilding connection with your spouse, kids, or loved ones requires more time, energy, and resources than maintaining that connection in the first place.
Your Family Is Your Most Important Community
As entrepreneurs, we pour energy into building communities for our businesses, but how often do we think about building community in our own homes?
Family Culture:
What is the culture you’re fostering at home?
Have you defined your family’s purpose, values, and priorities?
Strategize Connection:
Just like you strategize engagement in your business community, think about how to engage with your family.
Don’t take their support or presence for granted—relationships need intentional effort.
Entrepreneurship and Parenthood: The Reality for Young Moms
Many young moms are drawn to entrepreneurship with the hope of gaining more time with their kids. Unfortunately, without boundaries and balance, it can turn into:
60–80-hour workweeks.
The exact opposite of the flexibility and family connection they hoped for.
Your kids are only young once. You have years to grow your business after they’re older, but these moments with them are fleeting.
Avoiding Harmful Comparisons
One of the most challenging aspects of entrepreneurship is comparing your journey to others. But here’s the truth:
Many highly successful business leaders don’t have the same commitments.
They may not have children or are at a different stage of life where their kids are grown.
Trying to emulate their level of success while juggling young children creates unnecessary pressure. Instead:
Focus on what matters most to you.
Align your priorities—God, family, and business—so your version of success fits your values.
Lessons Learned: Balancing Business and Relationships
Here are the key takeaways from my decade-long journey as a work-from-home entrepreneur:
1. Stop Thinking “They’ll Always Be There”
Relationships can’t thrive on autopilot.
Just like your business needs nurturing, so do your personal connections.
2. Define Your Family’s Purpose and Culture
What are the core values that guide your home life?
Use the same intentionality you bring to your business when thinking about your family.
3. Set Realistic Goals for Your Season of Life
Acknowledge that you’re in a unique stage.
Don’t let someone without the same commitments dictate what success looks like for you.
4. Prioritize What Matters
Get clear on what the most important aspects of your life are and prioritize them.
Spend time setting goals for your personal life and implementing habits and plans to achieve them before doing the same for your business. .
Find Your Rhythm
As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to put blinders on and focus solely on business goals. But at what cost? Relationships don’t wait. Foundations crumble when neglected.
Instead of trying to “balance” everything perfectly, aim for a rhythm that prioritizes connection alongside business growth. You’ll find that when your home life thrives, your business will too.
Stay Connected with Shana Lynn
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