By Patrick Delehanty
The Entrepreneurial Hustle
Entrepreneurship is often associated with long hours, relentless hustle, and an unyielding pursuit of success. While building businesses and achieving professional milestones is incredibly fulfilling, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind and forget the importance of personal time. I’ve learned that finding a balance between work, family, and leisure isn’t just about feeling good—it’s essential for long-term success and happiness.
I’ve been fortunate to grow multiple businesses in real estate development, federal contracting, and product innovation. Alongside these ventures, I’ve made it a priority to maintain a fulfilling family life and enjoy my favorite pastimes, like golf and spending time at the lake. Striking this balance hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something I actively work toward every day.
Prioritizing What Truly Matters
The first step in balancing work and personal life is understanding what truly matters. Business success is important, but at the end of the day, the relationships you build with your family and the memories you create with them are what last. I remind myself that while my businesses provide financial stability and professional fulfillment, they also exist to support the life I want to live outside of work.
Setting clear priorities has been a game-changer for me. There are non-negotiable moments in my schedule—whether it’s dinner with my family, attending my kids’ events, or our summer getaways to the lake. These commitments are just as important as any business meeting, and I treat them as such.
The Power of Time Management
Balancing a busy work schedule with personal life requires strong time management skills. I’ve had to be intentional about how I structure my days to ensure that work doesn’t consume every waking hour.
One strategy that has helped me is setting boundaries. I dedicate specific blocks of time to deep work, meetings, and business development, while also carving out dedicated personal time. Sticking to a schedule ensures that I’m productive during business hours and fully present during family time.
Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of delegation. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel like you have to do everything yourself. However, trusting and empowering my teams allows me to step away from daily operations when needed. Surrounding myself with capable professionals has given me the freedom to focus on high-level decision-making while maintaining balance in my personal life.
Making Time for Leisure and Recharge
Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of believing that taking time off is a sign of weakness or lack of ambition. The truth is, downtime is necessary for maintaining peak performance. Some of my best business ideas and strategic decisions have come to me when I’ve stepped away from the office and allowed my mind to relax.
Golf is one of my favorite ways to unwind. It’s not just a sport—it’s an opportunity to clear my head, enjoy the outdoors, and sometimes even engage in casual business discussions in a relaxed setting. Similarly, our lake house provides the perfect escape where I can recharge and spend quality time with my wife and kids.
Taking time for leisure doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities. It simply means recognizing that rest and relaxation are essential components of sustainable success. A well-rested, mentally refreshed entrepreneur is far more effective than someone who is constantly burned out and exhausted.
The Importance of Being Present
One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs is learning to be fully present in the moment. It’s easy to be physically at home but mentally preoccupied with work. I’ve had to make a conscious effort to disconnect from business when I’m spending time with my family.
Simple practices, like putting my phone away during dinner or setting limits on checking emails outside of work hours, have helped me be more engaged. Quality time isn’t just about being in the same space—it’s about giving undivided attention and being actively involved in conversations and experiences.
Setting the Right Example
As a business owner, I strive to set a positive example not just for my employees, but also for my children. I want them to see that hard work is important, but so is enjoying life. By demonstrating that success isn’t solely measured by financial achievements but also by the strength of personal relationships and overall well-being, I hope to inspire them to pursue balanced, fulfilling lives of their own.
I also encourage my team members to find their own work-life balance. Creating a positive company culture where employees feel supported in their personal lives leads to a more motivated and dedicated workforce. People perform their best when they are happy and not overwhelmed by stress.
The Key to Sustainable Success
The idea that entrepreneurs must sacrifice everything for success is a myth. True success is about more than just career accomplishments—it’s about building a life that you genuinely enjoy. By prioritizing family, managing time effectively, making space for leisure, and staying present in the moment, it’s possible to thrive both professionally and personally.
I’ve learned that working hard and playing hard aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they go hand in hand. The more I invest in my personal well-being and relationships, the more energy and motivation I have to excel in business. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about the life you create along the way.