1. Schedule activities with your partner, family, friends, or even yourself, whether it's something simple like watching a DVD or going for a walk, or something special like a weekend stay at a resort. What you choose to do is not as important as taking the time to do it. That's why it's important to schedule it – if you just wait until you feel like you can afford the time, weeks will turn into months before you know it.
2. Take up a hobby. Is there something that you enjoyed doing in the past but haven't done for a while, or something you've always wanted to try? If you can't do it at home, maybe you can sign up for a class or a join a club. It's easier to commit to something that takes place at a regularly scheduled time, especially if you've invested your hard earned dollars into it.
3. Develop a regular work schedule. Just because clients can email you or phone you at any time of the day or night doesn't mean you have to be available 24-7. Instead of interrupting family time to take a phone call, check your Call Display to see whether you need to answer it. In most cases, you can let it go to voicemail, check the message, and return the call right away only if it's urgent. Most people will respect that you do have a life and won't take exception to the fact that you didn't answer the phone or answer their email at 9:00 PM.
4. Take a day off every week. The body needs that time to rejuvenate itself. It is no coincidence that most major religions observe a weekly day of rest. The Lost Practice of Resting One Day Each Week is an excellent article that explores this topic in greater detail. It's a legal requirement in many countries for employers to give their employees at least one day off per week, so why should those of us who are self-employed treat ourselves like slaves?
5. Delegate! There's a good chance that some of the tasks that are cutting into your personal time can be done efficiently by a virtual assistant, thereby allowing you to fit items 1 through 4 into your schedule.

1. I meet my sister and my dad for lunch once a month and usually spend a weekend with my sister every month.
2. I have signed up for a yoga class which starts next week, something I haven't done in three or four years.
3. My hours of work are posted on the contact page of my website, and I rarely answer business calls or emails outside of those hours. The only time I work after 5:00 PM is if I have a speaking engagement, am attending a business event, or have an urgent deadline.
4. I rarely work on Sunday. When I do, it's to take part in a scheduled event or to do something I consider fun and relaxing, like working on my own website or blog.
5. The day my husband decided to join me at Organized Assistant was a major turning point for me, but even before that, I had my own virtual assistant to whom I could delegate certain tasks and projects, so I could focus on giving my clients awesome service without working myself to the bone.

The holidays can be one of the happiest times of the year as we enjoy the company of our family and friends. It is also one of the most clutter-generating times of the year. Take a look at these gift ideas to reduce clutter and save you time and money.

I love organizing so much that I have organized some planning around my 2010 goals. Yes the organizer is organizing herself. So many people wonder why they are not moving forward in their business but don't have a score card to compare it to. By failing to plan as we know you plan to fail. With a few strategies you can take charge of your new year and meet your goals..whatever they may be!

This post is sharing a story of being kicked down, learning to stand back up and keep on working toward success.  My hope is that it encourages fellow organizers to be strong and succeed.

Is it realistic to think that work/family balance is possible?  Can you be a great parent and a great employee (or entrepreneur) at the same time?  Can a family where both parents work achieve this balance?