Modern life is hectic. Hectic! The modern man has more demands on his time than ever before, and keeping on top of everything can be close to impossible.

We are often told how important it is to have a good work-life balance, but while that’s good in theory, putting it into practice is tough. Everyone wants to get ahead in their career, and modern technology means we are increasingly expected to keep an eye on work emails and social media accounts at all hours of the day and night.

If you want to be successful in your career, especially if you happen to run your own business, that means putting in the hours. But what about all those other demands on your time?

Everyone needs a social life and a chance to unwind, whether that time is spent lounging around, engaging in sports and exercise, or simply enjoying a hobby or interest. Additionally, many professions demand that you spend time socialising, whether it is with clients, coworkers, or even while travelling abroad.

However, the modern husband and father is also expected to take an active part in family affairs, invest time in raising the kids, and help out around the house. There is a need to date, court, and impress the woman who might be “the one” if you are still single.

For some people, the demands of having to advance professionally, provide for your family, and still find time for oneself can become overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it might seem at first with a little clever thought. Because even if modern life is full of stresses, it has also given rise to a wide range of tools and solutions that can assist the quick-witted, intelligent man advance in life while still having time to sleep at night.

As a modern, 21st century man, who runs several businesses, I have had to be smart and savvy to find that work-life balance we all crave. And I have put together my top five lessons you need to learn to better manage your business and your life.

1. Money Is Time

“Time is money” goes the old adage, which many a boss has used to pressure his staff to work faster and faster. But to my mind the opposite is the case: money is time.

There are only so many hours in the day, therefore there are times when it makes sense and is important to spend a little money in order to free up some of your valuable time. I always use employing a virtual assistant as an example to show this.

If you are unfamiliar with virtual assistants, they are independent contractors who provide online support with a variety of professional activities, mostly administrative. Depending on your specific requirements, they can manage a full-time, part-time, or ad hoc task while working from home and communicating with you via email, messaging apps, or Skype calls.

You might utilise a virtual assistant to help you with routine administrative activities, marketing and sales work, web development and content writing, IT tasks, and a number of other tasks that need to be done but don’t necessarily require you to do them yourself.

Paying for a virtual assistant might free up vital time that you can use on other important business duties, to spend a little more time with your family, or to go out with friends without feeling terrible about it.

2. Health Is Wealth

The term “staying fit and healthy is vital to being successful in business” may merely seem snappy, but I can speak from personal experience when I say that it is well worth the time commitment to ensure you do exercise and keep in shape.

Since I work in the IT industry, I spend a lot of my day seated at a desk on a computer. I wouldn’t call myself a natural athlete. In a position like mine, it is far too simple to quickly get out of shape.

But after that, I found CrossFit, which has unquestionably improved every part of my life since I started doing it. There is no doubt that being more physically fit has improved my mental acuity and given me oodles of energy. I have never been physically fitter. As a result, I am now more productive at work and am able to put in longer hours without having to forgo my valuable social and family time.

It is the best decision I have ever made, and I strongly recommend that, regardless of your physical condition, you spend a little time and money on an exercise regime. It will improve all aspects of your life.

3. Self-Help Can Harm

Self-help is inherently a good thing. Seeking to improve yourself is, of course, something to be applauded, and it seems these days like everyone and their grandmother is in the midst of a self-improvement drive of one kind or another. But beware, because self-help can become self-defeating too.

It is all too easy to get sucked into the vast array of self-help resources out there and never emerge. Whether you are using books, blogs, videos, seminars, or podcasts, there are thousands of resources out there that offer to help you find a new, better you.

And it is simple to find yourself reading and taking in information for an increasing amount of time without actually doing anything to put what you are reading into practise. Most of the advice you will find is common sense information that, if you are being completely honest with yourself, you already know.

However, if you decide to pursue self-help, pick one and stick with it. And make sure to put what you learn into practise. Always keep in mind that power comes from action. Don’t be scared to give up on improvements you are making if you believe they are not working. Be sincere with yourself at all times.

4. Working Smart > Working Hard

If you work in an office, there is probably a system of protocols in place that outline how to carry out your duties. Given the plethora of internet tools available now to help you be more effective and productive with your time, this working style will likely be considered archaic and outmoded in many organisations. Don’t be hesitant to use them.

For instance, utilising Trello for work and personal projects enables you and others to stay on top of what needs to be done while also being aware of what coworkers are working on, whether you are both located in the same office or elsewhere in the world.

It also makes sense to use a VPN to securely and secretly access shared data, websites, and online services that might otherwise be inaccessible to you, no matter where you are. Additionally, it enables you to make the most of the smartphone, tablet, and other devices that are provided to many of us but that we frequently underutilize.

Additionally, not all solutions must be found online. For instance, maintaining a neat and orderly workspace or office might help you save time when you need to locate a crucial document or you have a deadline to meet.

It’s not rocket science, but there are so many simple solutions that can be employed that can make you a better, more productive worker, and also help free up time for the other things that are important.

5. Love, Like Life, Is Short; Plan Like Life Is Long

Life is brief, and there are a lot of vital things you will need to do along the way, without wishing to end on a depressing note. Planning is therefore crucial, and it is important to consider the long term when doing so.

For instance, while considering financial planning, it is always preferable to consider the future rather than using your money for immediate advantages and present-day expenditures. Planning wisely for retirement and getting sound financial guidance now are essential for your future as well as that of your children. You don’t want to put in a lot of effort your entire life and then leave them with nothing material.

Having said that, it is equally crucial to be present in the moment and enjoy each day. If there is an advantage to be had, don’t be afraid to take measured chances. Also, make sure your attitude is present-oriented. Because while making plans for the future is crucial, keep in mind that anything could change at any time. Although it may seem incongruous, it isn’t. It is a difficult lesson to master, but once you strike that inner chord of wisely planning for the future without foregoing delighting in the now, you’ll discover consistent gratitude in the “big” and “small” victories of daily life.