When starting a new business, you, the Business Owner, need time to prepare yourself and your family. You need to let them know you might work long hours, have sleepless nights (I hope not), and have challenging tasks you will encounter. Still, you need to remember how this new business will affect your loved ones. If you set boundaries early on, it will make your business life and family life easier.

When you are a business owner, the work will take a toll on your personal relationships if you allow it to. The toll will make family and friends feel neglected. According to Sayer Regan & Thayer LLP between 43 and 48 percent of business owners end up with a divorce. But hey! That doesn’t mean you’ll also end up being in that situation. Here’s what you can do to strengthen the relationships you care about most to prevent your business from ruining your personal life:

Create a game plan before your schedule gets hectic. 

Working overtime may be unavoidable, especially when starting a new business. It’s important to discuss this with your loved ones to set expectations and find a solution together on how to handle busy times when they arise. You might need to hire help, reschedule activities, or ask for assistance from your relatives. 

Involve your loved ones when appropriate. 

When you finish work, share the highs and lows about your day or try to ask their opinion about a particular idea you have. They might offer something significant, whether that’s advice, a helping hand, or a hug. Your family will be better able to support you if they have a better understanding of what you’re going through. But remember to ask about their day, too!

Make time for your family and friends. 

Allocating family time and maintaining friendships when there are a lot of things going on on the business side is tough, but it’s possible. Quality time is more than just occasionally texting your friends or dropping the kids off at school. Make sure to schedule a time away from your desk or phone so you can give your full attention to your family and friends.

Remember:  Success tastes that much sweeter when you have people to share it with. As a business owner, be careful not to compromise your most important relationships while growing your business. If you’re constantly swamped at work and have no time for your relationships or your hobbies—don’t wait until your family and friends feel distant towards you. Don’t wait until you’re sick—ask for outside help. A few easy changes could be hiring someone to clean your house, mow your lawn, or use Instacart to shop for your groceries (I use Instacart, but I typically pick up my groceries instead of having them delivered to save a few dollars). You can hire a virtual assistant to boost your productivity and achieve the work-life balance you’ve been dreaming of. It is okay to ask for help, especially when it means more time with your family and friends!