This article was taken from the June 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online. "Shouldn't it be possible to be successful, and have time to enjoy it?" asks Danish author Martin Bjergegaard. For their book, Winning Without Losing, he and co-author and entrepreneur Jordan Milne interviewed people around the world to find out how you really can have it all.
Plan for balance
"Ensure that you consider balance in your life as part of your business plan," says Bjergegaard. For example, think practically about automatic systems that will not only increase your efficiency and free up your time, but also make your startup more scalable.
Follow your energy
Inspired by 37 Signals founder Jason Fried, Milne says it's time to forget 9-5 and work when it suits you. Simply find the optimum time to tackle each task. "By working on what you actually like, at the times you like, you're not only happier, but you're also more efficient," he says.
Use your team
"The idea of the lonely founder is something you should be very cautious about," says Bjergegaard. Put together a team with different skills so you can divide responsibilities. Milne adds that you should celebrate the fact that colleagues have a life outside of the workplace, to improve office morale.
Cut your social life
The authors were surprised by Xerox CTO Sophie Vandebroek's advice to cut down on one's social life. But she explained it's simply about prioritising. Just as you would with your work to-do list, don't say "yes" to everything; focus on the quality not quantity of free time.
Live in the moment
"A lot of entrepreneurs sacrifice a lot of their life -- say their 20s and 30s -- just to make a big exit," says Milne. But VC Randy Komisar says that's a dangerous way to live, as the bigger the sacrifice now, the greater the payoff will need to be later. As Milne says: "The journey is the reward."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
