How Custom Builders Can Achieve Balance in an Unbalanced World

Even in the best of times, a custom home-building business is time-consuming, stressful and risky. In a tough economic climate, the problems can be overwhelming. The pressures of trying to survive a downturn such as the one we are currently experiencing can, and usually do, bleed into our personal lives. Whatever “balance” we had between our business and personal time tends to go out the window. Stress builds, we become more frantic and the results are usually not very pretty.

If you find yourself in this situation right now, it's important to pause, take a deep breath, rationally evaluate the situation and then act. Here's how to start.

Recognize that throwing more time at the problem will usually not solve it. If you find yourself working 70- to 80-hour weeks, you're probably not very effective during those extended hours. A 45- to 55-hour work week is more realistic for most people. Exhaustion leads to mistakes and zaps enthusiasm. Try to set a 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. schedule and stick to it, as if you were an employee.

Also attempt to reduce the number of nights and weekends that you allow yourself to work. By imposing limits on the time devoted to your business, you'll find that you will work smarter and more efficiently.

Start with a written or electronic schedule and plan your day before the day plans you. Builders are notorious for allowing their schedules to be hijacked by issues and problems that always seem to pop up. Simply don't allow it. Plan the work and work the plan. Use a written to-do list to help you prioritize the tasks and projects that need to be accomplished in the time you have allotted.

Recognize that we tend to be overly optimistic when we estimate the time required for a task or project. Building in more time at the beginning will substantially reduce the stress that comes with deadlines.

Finally, don't allow yourself to be distracted or pulled off track by rationalizing the importance of something that you want to do versus the things you need to do. We all enjoy certain aspects of our businesses more than others. If you can't delegate an unpleasant task or project, get it out of the way first, then move on to the things you like to do.

Reduce stress by either starting or resuming an exercise program. Something as simple as a 45-minute brisk walk in the morning, before the chaos of the day begins, can do wonders for your body and soul. Look at your eating habits and make adjustments toward a healthier diet. Don't allow the business to rob you of important family and social obligations. Finally, plan vacations — even if they are just extended weekends — and take them! Time off will help refresh and re-energize you and also allow you to evaluate your business from a different perspective.

Nothing I've said here is new or revolutionary, but we often lose sight of the obvious, especially when times are tough. Re-evaluate how you are approaching your business and family life. Remember what is most important to you and focus on it. The benefits will be substantial.