Managing multiple businesses isn’t just challenging—it’s a high-stakes juggling act. The constant demand to make decisions, lead teams, and meet expectations can leave you feeling like you’re sprinting on a treadmill set to max speed. But here’s the truth: the problem isn’t the number of businesses you’re running; it’s how you’re running your life.
Take a moment to ask yourself: Are you truly in control, or are you just reacting? Because running your businesses like this is like trying to sail a ship while constantly bailing water—it’s unsustainable. Let’s change that.
Decision Fatigue
“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” – John C. Maxwell
The average CEO makes 35,000 decisions a day. Multi-business owners? Multiply that. Decision fatigue creeps in like a silent assassin, leaving you mentally drained and prone to bad calls by the afternoon.
The fix? Simplify your choices. Steve Jobs famously wore the same outfit every day—not because he lacked style but because he refused to waste mental energy on trivial decisions. Apply this principle to your life. Automate repetitive tasks, create routines, and delegate smaller decisions. Save your mental bandwidth for what truly matters.
Incorporating Movement and Rest
A leader running on empty is a leader heading for a crash. Movement and rest aren’t luxuries; they’re lifelines.
Once, during the most hectic quarter of my career, I dismissed the idea of taking a break. “Rest is for the weak,” I told myself. But one night, I found myself staring blankly at my laptop, unable to make sense of a simple spreadsheet. My mind had given up before I had.
Since then, I’ve implemented what I call the CEO recharge routine: 10 minutes of movement every two hours, whether it’s a brisk walk, stretching, or even dancing like nobody’s watching. And every night, I shut off the world for seven hours of sleep. The result? Sharper decisions, faster solutions, and, ironically, more time.
Remembering Your Values and Purpose
Why did you start your businesses? Was it to have more freedom, to make an impact, or to secure your family’s future? Somewhere along the way, we lose sight of that.
Every morning, ask yourself: “Are today’s actions bringing me closer to my ultimate goal?” If the answer is no, it’s time to course-correct.
A friend of mine, a fellow multi-business owner, used to work 18-hour days because he felt he “had to.” When he finally stopped and reflected, he realized his businesses were supposed to create time for his family—not take it away. He began setting boundaries, and his life transformed.
The Power of Saying No
Here’s a secret: Saying yes to everything is a guaranteed path to mediocrity.
Oprah Winfrey once said, “You can have it all. Just not all at once.” Learning to say no is one of the most powerful skills a leader can develop.
The next time someone pitches you an idea or asks for your time, pause. Ask yourself: Does this align with my priorities? If it doesn’t, say no—with grace but without guilt.
Prioritizing Relationships
Success without relationships is hollow. The people who matter most—your family, close friends, and key team members—are often the first to be sidelined when the pressure mounts.
During one of my busiest years, I realized I hadn’t had a proper conversation with my spouse in weeks. That was my wake-up call. I started scheduling non-negotiable time for my loved ones, just as I would for a board meeting. Because at the end of the day, your success means nothing if you don’t have people to share it with.
Prioritization and Advance Planning
Failing to plan isn’t just planning to fail—it’s inviting chaos. Successful multi-business owners live by their calendars. Planning in advance isn’t about rigidity; it’s about creating flexibility within a structured framework.
Each Sunday evening, I sit down with my calendar and map out the week. I prioritize the big wins, slot in time for rest and relationships, and identify one contingency for unexpected surprises. It’s a game-changer.
Crisis Preparedness
No matter how well you plan, crises will come. The difference between surviving and thriving lies in preparation.
During the pandemic, one of my businesses hit a major supply chain snag. Because I had a crisis plan, we pivoted within 24 hours and actually increased our revenue.
What’s your contingency plan? If you don’t have one, start small: Identify your biggest vulnerabilities and outline simple actions to address them.
The life of a multi-business owner doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending storm. With the right habits—simplifying decisions, embracing rest, reconnecting with your values, and planning for crises—you can not only survive but thrive.
Start today. Choose one habit from this list and commit to it for a week. Small changes lead to monumental results, and you deserve a life where success doesn’t come at the cost of your sanity.
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