Don’t you wish you could wave a magic wand and voila, you achieve work-life balance? I think that the most common phrase in the world of work today is "work-life balance." Many people are seeking this elusive ideal. We’d like to have the best of both worlds. Why? Because we’ve become too engrossed with the pursuit of our careers to the detriment of other things that matter to us. This is mostly due to the pressure and expectations at work, or the pressure to perform and climb the corporate ladder. Or it can be the pressure to keep up with the Johnesses.
We’ve all heard of people in their last years of life wishing they had spent more time with family and friends, wishing they had lived a little, wishing they had not said no to pursuing their personal interests. We hardly hear of anyone wishing they’d spent more time at work or that they would have worked harder. This is not to say there’s no value to working hard – far from it. The reason we hear about all these regrets is because in this tussle, it’s always our social and family life that gets compromised. We postpone meeting friends and family to a latter time when we’d have made enough money. We insist that the reason we’re working hard is to provide the best life for our loved ones, and on and on.
Fact is, many times, the reasons we give ourselves for the imbalanced life, are really not what our loved ones expect of us. I think we strive with this internal pressure due to societal expectations. However, all said and done, we can still find some balance in our lives by becoming more intentional. Stop procrastinating and putting off things for a more ideal time. Instead, make time for what’s important to you. Here are some ideas of how you can put things in order, to overcome overwhelm and make time.
I know this might be a long post, but don’t fret, over the next few weeks, we’ll discuss these in bite-sized pieces.
Prioritization: What you prioritize grows
1. Identify What Truly Matters
The first step to achieving work-life balance is identifying what truly matters to you. Create a list of your top priorities. These include family, health, personal growth, hobbies, and community involvement. It could also work for some people. Once you have your list, rank these priorities. This will give you a clear picture of what you value most. This might require you to be objective and honest with yourself, leave out societal expectations, and identify your ideal.
2. Make a Plan for Each Priority
Once you know your priorities, make a plan on how you can include them in your existing lifestyle. For example, if spending more time with family is a top priority, make a plan to have dinner together three times a week. If personal growth is important, aim to read one book a month or attend a monthly workshop.
3. Create a Time Management Plan
Effective time management is crucial. Use tools like calendars, planners, or apps to schedule your activities. Allocate specific time slots for work, family, exercise, and relaxation. Make sure to include buffer time to handle unexpected tasks or emergencies. A majority of us struggle with creating and sticking to schedules, myself included, and prefer to go with the flow (look where that has got you so far). Starting a new habit might seem like a tall order at the beginning but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re able to do this with no effort.
Setting Boundaries
1. Learn to Say No
One of the hardest yet most effective ways to maintain a work-life balance is learning to say no. This doesn’t mean you should refuse every request, but be selective. Assess whether a new task or responsibility aligns with your priorities. If it doesn’t, politely decline or suggest an alternative. This can include going out for social activities that you know are not working for you or are taking up time you could use doing something more meaningful.
2. Establish Work Hours
Define your work hours and stick to them. Communicate these boundaries to your colleagues and supervisors. Let them know when you are available for work-related matters and when you are not. This helps prevent work from encroaching on your personal time. Committing yourself to full-time work during work hours, enables you to free your mind during the off-work hours. Creating a clear demarcation will help in this balance in the long run.
3. Disconnect from Work
In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to stay plugged into work even when we’re off the clock. Make a conscious effort to disconnect. Avoid checking emails or work messages during your time. Remember, even your work needs you to be whole, and for you to be whole you need to disconnect to recharge.
Maintaining Balance
1. Regularly Review Your Priorities
Life is dynamic, and your priorities may change over time. Regularly review and adjust your goals and schedules to reflect any changes in your life. This ensures that your work-life balance strategy remains relevant and effective.
2. Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is fundamental to maintaining balance. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and engage in physical activity. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or hobbies that help you unwind. I get a little unhappy with staff who ‘work’ 12 hours (or more) every day. Your productivity will be wanting within a few days, and burnout will be calling.
3. Celebrate Your Successes
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones reinforces positive behavior and keeps you motivated. It’s important to recognize the progress you’re making towards a balanced life. Pat yourself on the back for the extra time spent with loved ones with undivided attention.
Embracing Flexibility
1. Be Adaptable
Understand that achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process. There will be times when work demands more of your attention and times when personal matters take precedence. Be adaptable and willing to adjust your plans as needed.
2. Avoid Perfectionism
Striving for perfection can be a major barrier to achieving balance. Accept that it’s okay not to be perfect. Focus on doing your best and being kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
3. Keep Learning
Continually seek ways to improve your work-life balance. Read books, attend seminars, and learn from others who have successfully balanced their lives. Staying informed and open to new strategies can help you find what works best for you.
Conclusion Achieving a work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It requires introspection, planning, and the willingness to make adjustments. By prioritizing what truly matters, setting clear boundaries, creating a support system, and embracing flexibility, you can find a balance that works for you. Remember, the goal is to live a fulfilling life that encompasses both your professional aspirations and personal happiness.
