An Honest Discussion on Work-Life Balance

Indeed, many of the social entrepreneurs are known to have their working and personal life closely intertwined. The needs of constructing an organization with a clear mission to solve societal problems entail working long hours, passion, and dedication to the cause. But when people do not take care of themselves and their spiritual selves, they become burnt out or stressed and this impacts the very cause they so much embrace.

In this blog, we discuss the role of work-life balance for social entrepreneurs and how faith can help sustain you, guide you, and give you focus as you embark on the challenging process of managing a social enterprise.

Learn to Value Rest and Balance

In the modern world of business, it is easy to continue working even when one is extremely tired. However, even those who are most motivated require breaks. The Bible reminds us of the importance of the Sabbath as a time to renew and recharge: ‘For six days shall work be done and all that is needed to be done shall be done, but on the seventh day there shall be no work and it shall be the sabbath of the Lord thy God’ (Exodus 20:9-10). Sleep is one of primary human requirements as well as a spiritual one.

As operators of time-bound organizations, social entrepreneurs are aware that they need to have time to pray, to think, and to rest so as to negate burnout. As in many cases taking a step back can quite often mean seeing the light and developing the solutions.

Faith as a Source of Decision-Making

Another weakness that most social entrepreneurs experience is the struggle to meet the needs of a growing organization and maintain the company’s values. The nature of the endeavor is such that it is very easy to get obsessed with fundraising, achieving impact numbers, and growing the organization, but faith serves as a very useful north star for decision making.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” As we rely on faith, in that we make decisions, we are comforted knowing that others are also in the same position. Praying for knowledge will assist in making proper decisions regarding the future of social enterprises and to keep them on track as purposeful businesses, rather than becoming a never-ending race for profits.

Developing a Support System Based on Faith

Social entrepreneurs are lonely; they bear the responsibility of the mission that they have set for themselves. Being associated with a religious group is a source of motivation, support and spiritual food.

This can be in form of a small group, a mentor or fellowship with other like-minded entrepreneurs to help you when work pressure becomes unbearable. When things get tough, this community can help to serve as a constant reminder of why you are doing what you are doing.

Conclusion

Being a social entrepreneur with a work-life balance is possible and it calls for purpose, commitment and trust. In other words, social entrepreneurs can find a way to maintain the right pace, make the right choices, and build the right networks to achieve the right goals and maintain a healthy and happy life and work.

At Fellowship of Business Minds, we advise social entrepreneurs to keep their feet on the ground and realize that the success that we seek is not only the change that we make but how we live.

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