Many entrepreneurs feel that a testament to how serious they are about their business is gauged by how many hours they put in.

This is a major misconception.  The key to success is working smart, not hard.

Take a step away

Though there are often crunch times that require putting in long hours, doing so on a day-to-day basis is not sustainable.  The mind, just like the body, needs rest to rejuvenate.

To put this into perspective, take a moment to think about your greatest business ideas…  When did they come to you?  Chances are, it wasn’t after a 12-hour day at the computer.  More likely it was during a break, where you weren’t officially working – on a walk or in the shower.

Less is often more when it comes to creating brilliant strategies and ideas.

To feel that long hours justify great work is a natural human tendency.  We want to do our best and feel time is relative to performance.

Those random strikes of insight that tend to hit when taking a step away, are often the million dollar ideas.

Have a healthy work / life balance

Having a healthy work / life balance will also help to keep you energized and inspired.

Putting in too many work hours can have a very negative effect on quality of life.

Eating ‘fast food’ instead of nutritious meals do nothing for brainpower or energy levels.  Here are 5 tips to be a healthy entrepreneur.

Family and friends are often put on the backburner, though the to do list doesn’t have feelings and will still be there tomorrow.  Here are guidelines to be a productive leader.

Delegate, delegate, delegate

Let’s face it…  We’re willing to put in long hours because we love what we do.  It’s easy to get lost in our work.

But surely you don’t love every aspect of your business…  There are certain unique abilities and special talents that you’ve always had that led you to do what you do – those should be your primary focus.

There are people in the world that specialize in any task imaginable.  If you don’t like doing something, don’t do it – delegate it.

DemGen was created based on the principle that there’s a specialist for every role that loves to complete the tasks you may not be interested in or all that accomplished at.

Give yourself a break

As entrepreneurs, we’re always working in spirit; so don’t be hard on yourself for taking a step away from the office.

These days technology lets you remain connected at almost all times, if you so choose.  If there’s an emergency that requires immediate attention, you’ll surely be the first to know.

Make an effort to work smart instead of hard and you’re sure to see great results!

© Tamara Smith, DemGen Inc 2013

Being your own boss can take a toll on your health.  With long hours and excessive stress, it’s tough to be a healthy entrepreneur.

The following tips will help you to stay focused on your health.

1.  Incorporate activity into meetings.

Entrepreneurs often collaborate virtually.  A great way to get your blood flowing (and pumping into your brain) is to incorporate activity into your meetings.  Stand up and walk around during phone meetings.  Skip the unhealthy restaurants and opt for walking meetings.  (You’ll also get much more achieved without your mouth full.)

2.  Take a step away from your computer.

As entrepreneurs, we are often chained to our desks.  Sitting in the same position all day isn’t good for your posture or health.  A new trend is stand-up desks.  If you’re not ready to commit to standing all day, consider incorporating your own variation if you have a laptop or simply take a walk at some point each day.

3.  Eat right.

The old adage is true, “You are what you eat.”  It can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet with a busy schedule, but it’s extremely important to eat the right food to fuel your genius.  While caffeine will give you a quick fix, healthier foods will provide long-term energy and inspiration.  For more specific ideas, check out our blog post The Entrepreneur’s Diet to Increase Health and Brainpower.

4.  Stay active.

Exercise is one of the first things to be overlooked with a busy schedule.  Staying active doesn’t require 3 hours at the gym.  Simply taking a break to stretch or incorporating a simple exercise routine into your day is a great starting point.

5.  Manage your stress.

Stress is unavoidable with an entrepreneurial lifestyle and can lead to multiple health problems.  Be aware of your limits and remember it’s okay to say NO sometimes.  As entrepreneurs, we often try to do it all, which can become unhealthy and eventually unproductive.

Our businesses tend to be heavily intertwined with our lives.  Ensuring you keep your health in mind will benefit your business and your life.

© Tamara Smith, DemGen Inc 2013