The campaign schedule should include family time, relaxation and sleep.

The campaign schedule should include family time, relaxation and sleep.

The campaign schedule should include family time, relaxation and sleep.

Here’s today’s tip: The campaign schedule should include family time, relaxation and sleep.

Life doesn’t stop just because you launch a political campaign. Bills need to be paid, your family needs your physical presence, mental energy and emotional engagement and your body needs rest. Even if you are one of the rare folks who can afford to take off work for the term of the campaign, there is plenty of normal life that shouldn’t be cast aside.

In spite of that, every election cycle, I see candidates try that strategy. It leads to exhaustion, fractured relationships and frustrated spouses.

As with every area of the campaign, writing down a plan and talking it through with your team is the best way to start. The first conversations should happen with your family. You should have already had candid conversations about what you’ll be sacrificing and holding sacred during the campaign team. Things like a regular date night and no-miss activities with your kids should be on the list. My list would also include church and my weekly mastermind group meeting.

Then work with your campaign team to set some rules for scheduling. Depending on your campaign size, at least some of the authority over your calendar will be held by them. They need clarity as to what they can schedule without your input and when they need to ask you for permission. I recommend giving them blocks of time at least one week in advance where they are free to fill your schedule. Your weekly team meetings should allow an opportunity to review the schedule and update availability.

When it comes to your body, take care of yourself! Take vitamins, avoid fast food when you can, get up at the same time every day and start with a high protein, high fat, low carb breakfast. Get at least 6 hours of sleep each night and encourage your team to live by the same guide. The candidate or key team members getting sick will throw everything out of whack.

Remember: Your campaign schedule should include family time, relaxation and sleep!

To find out more about what it takes to win a political campaign, go to MyCampaignCoach.com. You can also check out our interviews with Candidates, Elected Officials, Consultants and Campaign Staff on the How to Run for Office Podcast! On Facebook, you can find our campaign mastermind group by searching for the Elite Campaign Mastermind and our page under My Campaign Coach. If you want to help support our efforts, you can do that with financial support via Patreon.com/mycampaigncoach or by giving us a nice rating on iTunes!

Raz Shafer

>
×
Never Miss A Campaign Insight
Subscribe to get weekly tips and content from our team of coaches!