Balancing Life and Startup Stress

Hey, Mats here again! Today, I want to get a little personal and talk about something every startup founder faces at some point—the struggle to balance life and work, especially when that work feels like it never stops. The reality of building KfzPortal24.de has been incredibly rewarding, but with that comes the stress and uncertainty of startup life. Balancing it all? That’s a whole other challenge.

The Highs and Lows of Startup Life

Building a startup is one of the most exciting journeys I’ve been on, but it’s not without its highs and lows. Every day brings something new, and while the thrill of completing tasks and pushing my company forward energizes me, it also pulls me into a cycle where it’s hard to find time for myself, my family, and the things that matter most outside of work.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is finding time for myself and my family. Here’s the thing: work is relaxing for me. It sounds strange, but it’s true. Completing tasks, clearing out my inbox, and hitting that magical "zero" is my game. It distracts me from other things—like fitness, eating properly, or spending quality time with my family. That’s where the balance becomes tricky.

How I Try to Handle Stress and Stay Productive

Every startup founder knows the feeling—there’s always something more to do, and it’s easy to feel like you should be working 24/7. But I’ve learned that pushing myself too hard doesn’t lead to better results. In fact, it does the opposite.

One strategy that’s been a game-changer for me is time boxing. I block out specific times in my calendar for personal time—whether it’s for fitness, family, or just some down time to unwind. If it’s not scheduled, it doesn’t happen. It’s a simple way to make sure that I’m not just pouring everything into my work and neglecting myself in the process.

Another trick? My 10 tasks strategy. Each morning, I define 10 tasks I need to get done. It’s not about finishing everything on my never-ending list of startup to-dos—because let’s be real, you’ll never reach the bottom of that list. Instead, this strategy helps me focus on what’s important to feel that sense of accomplishment without burning out.

I’ve learned a lot from previously leading the engineering team at Herewith, a startup based in San Francisco. There, I managed an international team across different time zones, and one of the biggest lessons I took away was the importance of trusting your team and focusing on the customer. At Herewith, I saw firsthand how crucial it was to listen to users—something we didn’t always get right. That experience shaped my current strategies and how I approach building and shaping our product at KfzPortal24.

But here’s the thing: I’m not perfect at it. I’m constantly working on finding better balance, better focus, and better routines to avoid overworking myself. Prioritizing these tasks helps me get closer to that magical “zero inbox,” but I know I’ll never be fully done with everything on my list—and that’s okay. I’m learning to be okay with progress instead of perfection.

The Moments When It Feels Overwhelming

If I’m being honest, I struggle with this balance almost every day. Without setting boundaries, I could easily overwork myself. There are days when it feels overwhelming—when there’s so much to do that I lose sight of why I’m doing it in the first place.

However, one thing that helps is focusing on my no-phone time during dinner with family. It’s a small, simple ritual, but it has become a grounding practice for me. That time away from the screen and away from the workday lets me reconnect with what’s important. It reminds me that there’s life outside the startup grind.

Handling Uncertainty in Startup Life

The other side of the coin is handling the constant uncertainty of running a startup. There are moments when everything feels up in the air—whether it’s a big decision about the future of the company or just the day-to-day stress of keeping things running smoothly.

Here’s what I’ve learned: you have to focus on yourself first. It’s tempting to throw everything you have into the company, but if you’re not fit and healthy—physically and mentally—your startup won’t grow the way you want it to. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for your business to thrive.

I’m not perfect at this either. I’m still figuring it out as I go. But I’ve learned that embracing uncertainty is part of the process. The key is to stay grounded in what you can control—your routines, your personal well-being, and your ability to adapt.

Final Thoughts

Balancing life and a startup isn’t easy, and I’m working on it every day. It’s not about working nonstop—it’s about working smart, setting boundaries, and ensuring you’re taking care of yourself along the way. If you’re in the same boat, my advice is simple: focus on yourself first. Your startup will thank you for it.

Until next time,
Mats