Trying To Balance Family Life And Running True Prizes

One question I get asked from time to time is:

"How do you balance running a business with family life?"

The honest answer?

Some weeks, I do it well.

Some weeks, I don't.

Running True Prizes has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done, but it has also been one of the biggest challenges when it comes to finding balance.

A Business Doesn't Switch Off

When you work a normal job, there is usually a point where your day ends.

When you run your own business, it's different.

Messages can come through at any time.

Ideas pop into your head while you're eating dinner.

A competition might need updating.

A customer might have a question.

A delivery might arrive.

The business is always there.

Learning when to switch off is probably one of the hardest lessons I've had to learn.

Family Always Comes First

As much as I love building True Prizes, there's one thing that's more important.

My family.

Samantha has been there from the very beginning.

She's seen the late nights, the early mornings and everything in between.

She's also been the person reminding me that sometimes it's OK to close the laptop and spend time together.

Our children don't really care how many tickets we've sold or how well a Facebook post has performed.

They just want Dad to play a game, watch a film or kick a football around the garden.

And they're right.

Those moments matter.

The Juggle Is Real

There are days when it feels like everything happens at once.

The phone is ringing.

A delivery arrives.

The dogs start barking.

The kids need something.

A customer sends a message.

And I'm trying to remember what I walked into the room for in the first place.

If you're a business owner, you'll probably be smiling because you've lived those moments too.

Sometimes all you can do is laugh and carry on.

Making Time Matters

One thing I've realised is that balance isn't about splitting your time perfectly.

That's almost impossible.

Some weeks, the business needs more attention.

Other weeks, family needs more attention.

The important thing is making sure neither is forgotten.

Success means very little if you don't have the people you love to share it with.

Why We Keep Going

There are sacrifices that come with building a business.

Missed evenings.

Cancelled plans.

Long weekends.

But there are also rewards.

The flexibility to be there for important family moments.

The chance to build something our children can be proud of.

The opportunity to create a future that we're working towards together.

That's what keeps us going.

The Lesson

Today's lesson is simple.

You don't have to get the balance perfect.

You just have to keep making time for what matters.

Life isn't about getting everything right every day.

It's about recognising when work needs your attention and when your family needs you even more.

The most valuable investment you'll ever make isn't always in your business.

Sometimes it's putting your phone down, closing the laptop and being fully present with the people who matter most.

Looking Ahead

True Prizes will continue to grow.

There will always be more competitions to launch.