Unexpected change in your personal life often turns out to be the trigger for a bigger shift. Looking back, founders recognize those moments as the catalyst that demanded something different. Many find a way to thrive personally and professionally, and it takes conscious effort.
You set out on a clear path. Your purpose is sharp, your goals are set. Then life happens. You have a kid, or twins. Something happens in your family. A virus changes the world. Every founder faces this at some point.
Denise Morrison, former CEO of Campbell Soup, noticed the pattern. We apply the skills of goal setting in business, and rarely apply them to ourselves.
Check in with yourself
- Do you have a clear view of your personal values and priorities?
- Do you manage to set and hold boundaries between work and personal time?
- Do you have energy left for the things outside work that bring you joy?
- Are you satisfied with how work and life fit together right now?
Facing the change
For founders a neat work life balance does not exist. Your life is entangled with the thing you are building. Keep an eye on the life part. You are in it for the long haul and that takes planning.
- Take time to reflect on your personal goals and values.
- The One Page Personal Plan from the Scaling Up method helps you set clear rules and priorities for yourself.
- Speak up when things change, with your co-founders, the people at home and your coach.
