2 Keys to Achieve Work-Life Balance

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As an entrepreneur, I've always been driven by the desire to build cool products and solve problems for my customers.

However, after years of relentless hustle and grind, I've come to realize that true success isn't just about professional achievements—it's about finding a healthy balance between work and personal life.

In a recent episode of the Startup Hustle podcast, I had the pleasure of discussing this topic with Michael Motamedi, a serial entrepreneur and world traveler who has mastered the art of combining work and personal goals to achieve a fulfilling life.

The Entrepreneur's Dilemma

As entrepreneurs, we often fall into the trap of believing that success requires sacrificing our personal lives. We work long hours, neglect our relationships, and put our own well-being on the back burner, all in the name of chasing our professional dreams.

I've been there myself, working 10-12 hour days, grinding it out, trying to do whatever it takes to make my business work. I spent my entire 20s doing this.

I recently burnt myself out after taking over as CEO at Full Scale. I was working too much and taking on a lot of new responsibilities. I have had to figure out how to properly balance myself.

One thing I always have to constantly remind myself is that there will always be more work to do! I don’t have to try and do it all today.

I also have to spend more time focusing on the gain than the gap. (This is another valuable lesson.) Focus on what has been accomplished and not always stressing about what has not been accomplished.

As Michael pointed out during our conversation, this 10-12 hour daily grind is not sustainable nor the path to true personal happiness.

You have to start with defining what will make you happy.

Key #1: The Happiness Threshold

One of the key concepts Michael introduced during our discussion was the idea of the "happiness threshold." This is the point at which an individual has achieved a level of success that allows them to live a fulfilling life based on their own unique definition of happiness.

For some, the happiness threshold might mean having the financial freedom to travel the world, take care of their parents, buy a Ferrari, buy a new house, or whatever your lofty goals are.

While for others, it might mean being able to spend quality time with family and pursue hobbies.

The important thing is to identify your own happiness threshold and use it as a guidepost for setting both personal and professional goals.

My personal current happiness threshold is defined by how much money my company makes. As long as it hits a specific profit goal, I will be super happy with anything above that number.

I don’t need to strive to build a billion-dollar unicorn. I just want the company to be profitable at a level that makes it successful and can withstand a major economic downturn. That removes stress from my life!

For many people, enough is never enough. No matter how much money they make or how many companies they sell, they just want more. They always want a bigger boat, a bigger jet, a bigger house, or something.

Reality check: The lower your expectations are in life, the happier you will be.

Key #2: Combining Work and Life Goals

This is where the magic happens. Instead of viewing work and personal goals as separate entities, Michael suggests combining them into a single, integrated vision for your life.

This was a suggestion I had never heard before. People usually separate their personal and work lives.

As entrepreneurs, our work is our life. It makes more sense to combine the goals!

By aligning your business objectives with your personal passions, you create a synergy that fuels both personal and professional growth.

During our conversation, Michael shared some practical examples of how he has combined work and personal goals in his own life. One of his passions is creating content that showcases the amazing people and places he encounters during his travels.

So, he started a podcast called "No Fixed Address," where he interviews extraordinary individuals from all around the globe. This project not only allows him to pursue his love of travel and storytelling but also provides valuable content for his personal brand and opens up new business opportunities.

Follow Michael on TikTok to watch his travels!

One of my passions is children—I have five children! One of my goals is to give back to charities and communities that support children. One of the things we do at Full Scale is support an elementary school on a remote island called Pangan-an. It is so remote that it has no electricity! Our employees also enjoy going there and supporting the kids every year. This combined personal and work goal is a win-win.

By the way, check out this amazing video of us helping these kids!

The Benefits of Balance

Combining work and personal goals isn't just about achieving a sense of balance—it also has tangible benefits for your business and overall well-being.

When you're pursuing projects that align with your personal passions, you bring a level of energy and enthusiasm to your work that is infectious. This not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also attracts like-minded individuals and opens up new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Moreover, by prioritizing your personal well-being and relationships, you become a better leader and decision-maker. When you're well-rested, mentally sharp, and emotionally fulfilled, you're better equipped to handle the challenges and setbacks that come with entrepreneurship.

Making It Happen

So, how can you start combining your work and personal goals to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life? Here are a few practical steps to get you started:

1. Define your happiness threshold: Take some time to reflect on what really matters to you and what brings you joy and fulfillment.

2. Set integrated goals: Look for ways to align your business objectives with your personal passions and aspirations.

3. Communicate with your team: Share your vision and enlist their support in creating a culture that values work-life balance.

4. Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that recharge your batteries, whether it's exercise, hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones.

5. Celebrate your successes: Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, both big and small, in both your personal and professional life.

The Entrepreneur's Legacy

As entrepreneurs, we often focus on the legacy we want to leave through our businesses. But what about the personal legacy we want to create?

By combining our work and personal goals, we set a powerful example for future generations of entrepreneurs. We show that it's possible to achieve great things while still living a fulfilling and balanced life.

In the end, the true measure of success isn't just the size of our bank accounts or the scope of our business empires—it's the impact we have on the lives of those around us and the memories we create along the way.

I challenge you to redefine success on your own terms. Embrace the pursuit of work-life balance, combine your work and personal goals, and create a legacy that encompasses both professional achievement and personal fulfillment.

Your entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. By prioritizing balance and happiness, you'll not only reach the finish line but enjoy every step of the race.

Listen to the full episode of the Startup Hustle with Michael Motamedi to learn more about work-life balance.

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