E11 How to Balance Multiple Businesses with Michael Shawn Carbaugh

Michael Shawn Carabaugh is a man of many pursuits.  In this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose, he shared his experiences in running a game cafe, being a pastor at a church, giving guitar lessons, and developing a multi-use studio, providing valuable insights into balancing a myriad of responsibilities.

Carabaugh’s approach to managing his extensive workload involves prioritizing his various businesses and roles based on dedicated days for each, with structured breaks to maintain a balanced lifestyle. He emphasizes the importance of being honest about one’s priorities and life stage, advocating the use of to-do lists and focusing on the most crucial task each day to maximize productivity.

One notable discussion point was the concept of the “flow state” and the importance of avoiding digital distractions. Michael emphasized the detrimental impact of constant notifications and email banners on productivity. Carabaugh shared his aversion to phone technology and his practice of tuning out distractions, cultivated from growing up in a loud, close-knit family. These insights shed light on the significance of creating a focused work environment to achieve peak performance.

In addition to managing multiple roles, Carabaugh discussed his plans for Unison Studios, a multi-use studio space designed to address pain points for freelance musicians. This venture aims to provide rentable rooms for music teachers to conduct lessons and facilitate creativity and collaboration, offering a solution to the challenges faced by music educators.

Furthermore, the episode delved into Carabaugh’s journey of starting Unison Games Cafe, a venture borne out of his passion for comics and trading card games. His pivot into the gaming industry, sparked by a desire to bring the community together through organized play and game tournaments, illustrates the dynamic nature of pursuing purpose-driven ventures.

Michael not only highlighted the complexity of managing multiple roles but also underscored the transformative power of pursuing projects with a meaningful impact. Carabaugh’s dedication to making a difference in the community through his businesses and educational endeavors is a testament to the theme of purpose and impact, which is at the core of this podcast.

Overall, our conversation conveyed a profound message about the importance of finding one’s rhythm for productivity, effectively managing digital distractions, and pursuing ventures that align with one’s purpose and values. Listeners were inspired by Carabaugh’s journey and gain valuable insights into time management, the cultivation of a focused work environment, and the multifaceted nature of purpose-driven endeavors.

To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform.