Balancing Business and Family: The Juggle Is Real!

By Coach Charlie – Iconic Coaching

Between coaching incredible business owners, leading a fabulous salon team, being a wife, raising a feisty but fabulous four-year-old, and caring for our lovable British Bulldog, my days are a whirlwind of planning, prioritising and, let’s be honest, embracing all the chaos in between.

Here’s the thing though: I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Here’s how I make it all work, even on the toughest days.

Morning Mayhem

Mornings in our house? Pure chaos. Aria, my little boss babe, demands her bubbacino like a pint-sized CEO. Boston, our British Bulldog, swaggers around like he owns the joint, and Jay, my husband, trying to keep the crew happy, fed, and caffeinated before heading to work himself. Meanwhile, I’m sipping lukewarm coffee and mentally tackling my to-do list. It’s far from calm, but these moments keep me grounded and ready to slay the day.

Wearing All The Hats

After the family tornado settles, it’s time for business. Working from home as an Iconic Coaching business coach, partnering with business owners and managers in strategy sessions and leadership programs, and also managing the team at AMD Hairdressing. Some days, I feel like I am switching hats every five minutes: mum, coach, manager, wife. The secret? Structure and boundaries. Here are my go-to strategies for managing it all.

Time Blocking Is My Best Friend

My calendar is sacred. Every task - from kinder drop-offs to coaching sessions - gets a slot. It keeps me focused and prevents overwhelm. Time blocking doesn’t mean rigidity; life doesn’t always follow the script. Flexibility within structure is key.

Priorities Over Perfection

Spoiler alert: not every day is Pinterest-perfect. Hard to believe, I know! Some days, emails go unanswered, and dinner is a last-minute pizza order. Progress beats perfection. And, as a perfectionist, I still struggle with this, sometimes working late to polish every detail. But I’ve learned focusing on what truly matters and give myself grace when things fall short.

A Support System

My husband, Jay, is my rock. Whether it’s sharing kinder pick-ups or listening to me vent, his support is priceless. Knowing who your support system is - and leaning on them when needed - is crucial.

Staying Present

Life is full of distractions - emails pinging, to-do lists growing, and a million things wanting my attention - but I’ve learned to refocus and ground myself in the moment.

If you struggle with presence, pause, take a breath, and remind yourself of the importance what’s in front of you. Presence isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress and prioritising what truly matters.

Building A Foundation For Success

Planning is my superpower. On Sundays, I map out the week ahead, work tasks, family commitments, and self-care. It’s not about being strict either; Have a framework that allows flexibility. Here’s how you can plan more effectively:

1. Set Priorities: Identify your top three non-negotiables each week.

2. Theme Days: Assign themes (e.g., Mondays for admin, Tuesdays for creative work).

3. Breathing Room: Buffer time helps manage unexpected delays.

4. Reflect: Spend 5–10 minutes each evening reviewing the day and planning tomorrow.

5. Self-Care: Schedule time for yourself.

6. Use Tools: Google Calendar or Trello make adjusting plans easier.

7. Celebrate Wins: Reflect on accomplishments, big or small.

By adding these strategies into your planning system, you’ll stay on track, enjoy more balance, and have room for life’s surprises.

Say No

Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout. Trust me, I’ve been there. Now, I’m intentional with my commitments. If something doesn’t align with my priorities, it’s a big fat NO. Here’s how you can say no with confidence:

1. Clarify Priorities: Know what truly matters to you.

2. Create a Script: Use phrases like, “Thanks, but I can’t take this on right now.”

3. Skip Apologies: You don’t owe lengthy explanations.

4. Set Boundaries: Be upfront about your limits.

5. Big Picture Focus: Every yes to something unimportant is a no to something that matters. Learning to say no is about protecting your energy and opening the right doors.

Challenges And Joys

Balancing business and family isn’t easy. There’s late nights, self-doubt, and days I wish I could clone myself. Like when Aria gets sick, and I have back-to-back coaching calls.

But then, there are wins: watching clients hit milestones. Seeing the salon buzzing with creativity, dancing in the living room with Aria or even curling up with Jay, wine in hand (psychmore like an amaretto sour, babe!) after a long day. Absolute bliss!

Why It’s All Worth It For Me

For me, it’s more than just balancing roles. It’s about redefining success and showing Aria that she can follow her passions, build a career she loves, and still have a fulfilled life.

My Advice?

If you’re balancing a million things, know this: you’ve got it! And on the days when it feels like you don’t? That’s okay. Celebrate a small win. Lean on your support system. And remember, tomorrow is another chance to give it your all.

For more wisdom and to read my full eBook, head to iconiccoaching.com

@iconiccoachingau