Mastering Work-Life Balance: Building a Practice That Works for You, Not Against You

But what if I told you there is a way to achieve the elusive work-life balance that so many of us strive for? The secret lies in how we define our priorities and how we perceive our work.

To start, we need to clarify the purpose of our life. I know that sounds like an abstract, philosophical question, but when we dig deeper, we realize it’s essential. To live a life of true meaning and fulfillment, we have to know what’s truly important to us. Without that clarity, we risk wandering through life on autopilot, simply reacting to what’s thrown at us. In other words, we need to be proactive, not reactive, with how we live our lives.

Before my wife, Richelle, and I founded our healthcare organization, we took the time to identify our top priorities and put them in order of importance. Here’s what we came up with:

1. Maintaining a close relationship with God and fulfilling our spiritual duties through our work and actions.

2. Building deep relationships with our children, friends, and each other by spending quality time together.

3. Creating a business with a clear purpose that meets a real need in the community.

We called this the G.F.B. Principle, an acronym for God, Family, and Business—our guiding priorities. Now, you don’t need a catchy acronym to define your own priorities. What matters most is that you have a clear sense of what’s important to you.

For Richelle and me, everything revolves around this principle. For example, if a work request—like a meeting or site visit—clashed with a family commitment, we would either decline or reschedule it. The G.F.B. Principle not only serves as a guide for making decisions when our schedules get chaotic, but it also reinforces our commitment to our children, extended family, and friends. This clarity builds trust and strengthens our relationships. As I mentioned earlier, if you’re not clear on your life’s priorities, you’ll constantly feel torn when everyone is asking for your time—one of the most limited resources we have. And as they say, time is the one thing you can never get back.

Once you’ve figured out your priorities and committed to honoring them, the next step is reframing how you view your business. I know this might sound like a vague exercise, but I promise it’s valuable.

So, let’s start with a simple question: Do you currently own a business, or do you own a job? To answer that, take a moment to honestly assess how your business operates.

As the leader of your practice or company, ask yourself: Are you the type who has trouble letting go and delegating? Do you have systems in place that allow things to run smoothly without you having to be there? Are your team members in the right roles, doing the right jobs? Have you built an environment where your ideas are challenged, even disputed—or is everyone around you just nodding and agreeing? The answers to these questions will reveal whether you own a business that works for you, or if you're trapped in a job that demands all of your time.

If you’re the controlling type, without clear processes and surrounded by people who are too afraid to push back, then you're not running a business—you own a job. And that job will eat up your time and energy, making it tough to pursue other passions or even maintain a healthy personal life. The truth is, a strong business should run smoothly without you hovering over every little detail. I’ve always believed that a true test of leadership is how well things function when you're not around. If everything falls apart the moment you step out, that’s a red flag about your leadership approach.

Take your time when building your team. Hire people who reflect your values and principles. One rule I live by is “Slow to hire, fast to fire.” If a new hire isn’t proving their value within the first ninety days, don’t hesitate—let them go and start fresh. Once you’ve found the right person, invest in training them properly so they can thrive and help your business grow.

Operational systems are your secret weapon to avoid bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Make sure you're constantly improving how things work by getting feedback from your team and eliminating any clunky processes. Standardize what works into operating manuals and keep everyone up-to-date with regular training.

It’s also on you, as a leader, to create a space where people feel comfortable disagreeing with you. You want real discussions and debates, not a room full of people too scared to say something different. Environments where leaders are controlling, egotistical, or belittling tend to foster “yes” people who are just trying to stay out of trouble—and that’s bad for business.

So ask yourself: Am I the only one talking during meetings, going on and on while everyone just listens? If so, it’s time to step back. Encourage real input from your team—ask for their honest thoughts and be ready to hear feedback, even if it's uncomfortable.

By putting the right systems and processes in place, you’ll create a business that runs without you constantly needing to oversee every little thing. And that will give you the freedom to actually enjoy your life outside of work—to spend time with your family, nurture your relationships, and take care of yourself. Work-life balance isn’t just a nice idea; it’s essential for your long-term well-being and happiness. And with the right structure in place, you can make it happen.

Achieving work-life balance as a healthcare entrepreneur isn’t some far-off dream—it’s entirely possible when you’re intentional about your priorities and the way you lead. By defining what truly matters in your life and creating a business that supports rather than controls you, you can find the time and space to grow both personally and professionally. It’s not about perfection or rigid schedules; it’s about creating harmony between your work and your life. When you build systems that empower your team, allow your business to thrive in your absence, and honor the commitments that matter most, you’ll realize that the balance you’ve been chasing isn’t a myth—it’s within your reach. So take the first step today: reflect, adjust, and lead with purpose.