Running multiple businesses while being a present father is a constant balancing act.
Between my work with the 7 Figure Seller Summit, 80/20 Sourcing, and my consulting work helping brands enter the Japanese e-commerce market, finding quality time for my six-year-old son is something I’m continuously working to perfect.
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Wearing Two Hats: Father vs. Entrepreneur
I’m not going to pretend I’ve mastered it – the truth is, I’m still figuring it out day by day.
But I’ve developed some approaches that help me prioritize what matters most while still driving my businesses forward.
Creating Non-Negotiable Family Time
The single most important strategy I’ve found is being intentional with my calendar.
On my schedule, you’ll find blocks labeled “Daddy Duty” after school hours.
This time is sacred and non-negotiable – I treat it with the same importance as any business meeting.
I insist on having breakfast with my son every morning. This consistent daily ritual gives us quality time together before the day gets busy.
I use this time to read to him, choosing books I’ve carefully selected for a six-year-old. These morning moments are foundational to our relationship.
Weekends are another priority. We spend time together as a family, including attending church on Sundays.
By blocking these times on my calendar, I ensure that work doesn’t encroach on these family commitments.
The Evolution of Social Circles
One significant change I’ve noticed since becoming a father is how my social circles have transformed.
My friends are now primarily other parents with children similar in age to my son.
We organize playdates, take the kids to the pool or park, and share lunch while the children play.
Years ago in Shanghai, I could have recommended the coolest cocktail bars in the city.
Today, I’m more knowledgeable about family-friendly lunch spots in Tokyo. It’s not that I miss my previous lifestyle – it’s simply a natural evolution as our priorities shift.
When a friend asked me recently about the best cocktail bars in Tokyo, I had to admit I couldn’t help him.
Most evenings, after dinner and cleanup, I’m back at my computer catching up on work after spending the afternoon and evening with my son.
My social knowledge has shifted to align with my current phase of life.
Making Time for Marriage
Parenting doesn’t just change your relationship with your child – it transforms your marriage as well.
My wife and I have established Thursday lunch dates as our special time together. Just like my time with my son, this appears as a blocked time in my calendar each week.
During cherry blossom season, we had a picnic lunch under the blooming trees – something straight out of a movie scene and a quintessentially Japanese experience.
These moments together maintain our connection amid busy lives.
Teaching and Learning Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of fatherhood is sharing knowledge and experiences with my son.
Currently, I’m teaching him junior coding using an iPad Mini. He’s excited about making his own video game, which has led me to an interesting challenge – I’m not a coding expert myself.
This is where I’ve found a creative solution: I’m using AI to develop lesson plans one week ahead of what I’ll teach him.
Finding Balance Is an Ongoing Process
I don’t pretend to have achieved perfect balance – it’s something I work on daily.
There are times when work demands more attention and other periods when family needs to take priority.
The key is remaining flexible while still protecting those non-negotiable family commitments.
Conclusion
What I’ve learned is that being intentional is essential.
Without deliberate planning and calendar blocking, it’s too easy for work to consume the time meant for family.
By setting clear boundaries and treating family time with the same respect as business obligations, I’ve found a rhythm that works for our family – at least for now.
As my son grows and my businesses evolve, I know this balance will need constant recalibration.
The willingness to adapt while keeping my priorities clear is perhaps the most important skill I’m developing as both an entrepreneur and a father.