Spinning those damn Plates: The Unvarnished Life of a Startup Founder, Husband and Parent.

Alright, time for a reflection from my morning walks, morning thoughts this week. You ever find yourself flipping between trying to make payroll next month and bedtime stories? Welcome to the world of - a lively jumble of being a parent, husband, and founder. I mean, one moment I’m deep-diving into customer convo’s, and the next, I’m trying to keep up with my 9-year-old talking about the latest book she’s devoured (something about warrior cats, damn she loves those cats).?

And as for date night with my dear friend and wife……anyone had one lately??

As I engage with start-up community a fair bit, I can often feel lost, I’m struck by how “Hollywood” everything is. You know what I mean, it’s often about the glitz and glamour - it's all a bit unhealthy as from my vantage point so few of the people are actually thriving.?

Speaking as someone who struggles to balance the devotion of family life and entrepreneurship, I just don’t feel it, often. You see, for me, the phrase "work-life balance" isn't so much a balance as it is a precarious juggling act, akin to a bloody circus performance.?

So let’s be very clear: not every founder’s journey is paved with gold. Most of us are elbow-deep in the grind, far from the limelight. This goes beyond me, I see it in my team mates, I see it with customers we work with. Yet there’s a passion, a fire in the belly, making us push forward - We are simply trying to make shit work - I see you, I feel you and I am your fan, I’m cheering you on!?

If you’re nodding to this, thinking, “This fella gets it!”, here are some things I’ve been taught and lent into which has helped - if these are new, give them a whirl, if nothing new, take it as a reminder.?

1. **Time Blocking:** Designate specific time slots for work, family, and personal time. It's not about "having" time; it's about "making" time. Might I suggest putting the kettle on at least once a day, just for you?

2. **Mental Health:** This is more important than the perfect elevator pitch. Don't hesitate to seek help if things get too tough. Remember, a happy founder is a productive founder.?

3. **Honest Communication:** Be open with your family about your struggles. Be open with your team - defo them! You'll be surprised at the amount of support and understanding that a game of "tell it like it is" can muster up.?

4. **Stay Active:** It might feel counterintuitive to spend time away from work when you're already strapped for time, but regular exercise is a must. Even a quick walk around the block can work wonders.?

5. **Remember Your Why:** On those particularly tough days, remember why you started. You're not just doing this for you, but for your family for the mission as well. Keep your vision in sight, but don't lose sight of the everyday magic.?

6. **Celebrate those bloody wins:** - All.The.Time. A dear friend once said to me, Jon you don’t celebrate enough, recognise the wins how ever small, and celebrate. Celebrate openly and often, she said. That friend was bang on!?

So there you have it. As we brave the founder’s journey, remember to take a moment and revel in the little joys. After all, every cloud has a silver lining. And who knows? Those lemons life’s chucked at you might just make a cracking lemonade someday.

Cheers to the journey and to not mucking it up too badly

#startup #wellbeing #realitycheck #itsokaytotalk