How to multitask ...

The key to balancing work, family and life is multitasking. Managing her time and getting things accomplished efficiently makes good sense to entrepreneur Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global branding and marketing firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Staying healthy and exercising helps Arnof-Fenn operate at peak performance.

“With technology and social media we are always on today 24/7. All work and no play is just not a sustainable option,” she said. “To be more productive I try to find creative ways to multitask that incorporate work and exercise. When I worked at large companies they had gyms at the office or groups who walked at lunch, but when you are an entrepreneur you have to get creative to find balance. Instead of meeting up with your local colleagues at a coffee shop, over a meal or chatting with them on the phone, meet them for a walk so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise, too. You’ll feel great after, the time will fly, and it will be a fun activity to share.”

It’s a strategy that works with customers, too.

“I have clients who play golf, so sometimes we meet at a driving range instead of the office to discuss things, especially when you are trying to think outside the box. A change in venue is always nice, and you feel so much better when you are moving and not trapped behind your desk,” she said.

Increase your exercise intake by taking public transportation when possible, parking at the far end of the lot and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

“It adds up to a lot of extra steps and movement if you do it every day,” Arnof-Fenn said.

Organization is required to successfully juggle multiple tasks.

“I am a big list-maker and goal-setter, so I write things down and find that helps me follow up. I also have been practicing tai chi for 13-plus years and I find it helps me both relax and stay focused,” Arnof-Fenn said.

As an entrepreneur, self-care is not a luxury or pampering. It is maintenance.

“I recommend allocating time on the calendar and taking yourself as seriously as you take your most important clients, because if I am not at my peak performance I am not going to be useful to anyone else, either,” Arnof-Fenn said. “Even if you do not have time for a big vacation, sometimes a long weekend away, a walk outside in fresh air midday, or a trip to the museum or local gallery can be a nice break to hit the refresh button in a pinch. Mini-breaks and short vacations can be effective ways to avoid burnout and stay refreshed, too, if you have the time.”

To avoid spreading yourself too thin, learn to say no and delegate.

“Just because something is good for your business not does not mean you have to take the lead on it. Find a trusted colleague and let them manage items on the critical path, then you can check in at strategic times,” Arnof-Fenn said. “You do not need to be involved in every detail along the way.”

Setting deadlines forces a person to keep moving along.

“When you get stuck, move on to the next item to keep going forward; you can always course-correct down the road,” she said. “Be decisive and stick to your overall goals by knowing what is on-and off-strategy, so that you do not get distracted along the way.”