Key to business and life success is defining where you want to be in the future, and then keep in balance as you move towards your target.

It’s a good idea to at least write down what you want your business (and your life) to look like three or five years from now. After all, if you’re uncertain about where you want to take your business and your life, how will you know if or when you’ve arrived? Hanging a picture, or collage of pictures, showing your business in the future makes this even more powerful.

Keeping your desired destination clearly in view like this will inspire and motivate you to move forward. It can keep you going in the tough times too. Plus, it’s fun to assess your progress along the way.

However, keeping life in balance as you move towards toward your dream isn’t always easy. Entrepreneurs may know this, but still struggle to keep their equilibrium. Below are some reminders of common pitfalls to avoid as you move forward:

	Having documented where you want to go, setting goals to get there can spur you steadily forward in the right direction, but keeping those goals in balance can be a challenge for entrepreneurs who love what they do. It’s important to have goals, but be careful not to set yourself up for failure with unrealistic goals.
	Allowing the business to absorb all your time and energy can result in a loss of motivation and pleasure. Make sure you re-charge by taking time out for fun with people and non-work activities you enjoy.
	Forgetting that life happens and things rarely go the way you hope they will all the time is a common hazard. Allow some wiggle room—a little extra time to complete the tasks you’ve planned to do.
	Seeing yourself as super human—working 12 hours a days, six, even seven days a week, and trying to sustain a crazy schedule is another trap that’s easy to fall into. Take care of yourself with regular exercise, a healthy diet and ample sleep and rest. Maintaining a healthy balance is good for you and your business.
	Keeping all your thoughts and mental energy focused solely on the daily needs and challenges of your business will cloud your vision of the future and drain your creativity. Plan regular time to step back and think, reflect on the ‘big picture,’ plan and make adjustments where needed.

Ask a friend to hold you accountable and help you steer clear of these familiar entrepreneurial mistakes. Stay in balance and arrive at your desired destination happy, healthy and having enjoyed the journey!

About the Author: Victoria Munro is co-founder (along with husband Dave Block) of Make-it-Fly® LLC, a company dedicated to creating success for small-business owners through creatively designed programs and tools. Victoria has started and run nine different businesses. To receive FREE business success articles with tips to help you with your business, sign up for their award-winning ezine, “In-Flight Refueling,” at: www.Make-it-Fly.com, and receive a free copy of the eBook, Get More Done in Less Time: 101 Quick and Easy Time Tactics & Tips.

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