Is Work-Life Balance Attainable?
For many of us, there is a fine line between our work and personal lives. It is so easy to find ourselves overwhelmed between the deadlines, meetings and other challenges that arise in life. At times, no amount of planning can prepare us for what life throws at us and we find ourselves in a continuous state of juggling various tasks.
How many times have you asked yourself, “What is the trick to finding a work-life balance?” In reality, there is no easy fix. We must continuously evaluate our priorities to determine how best to spend our time.
Each of us has our own picture of what work-life balance looks like. There are many ways to achieve that picture. What it comes down to is taking things one day at a time and approaching life with a flexible attitude. If you create a strategy to help you deal with life’s many surprises, you can find a greater sense of well-being.
Although there is no clear cut system for finding balance in your life, here are three tips you can use as starting points for a better work-life flow:
Define your boundaries and decide when to say no.
How many times have you said yes to something you really didn’t want to do? While there are certain obligations you really can’t get out of, it’s sometimes important to put your own priorities first. For example, if someone asked you to join the PTA at your child’s school, first consider whether that’s something to which you want to commit. Practice saying no and putting your personal needs first. It may seem selfish at first, but in reality you will be able to give back more when you’re taking care of yourself.
Learn to delegate.
In both your personal and professional life, there are things you can delegate or ask for help with. If you are a control freak, learning how to give up your need for control can be a little daunting. But there is something liberating about asking people for help, even with the little things such as grocery shopping or bringing a dessert to a dinner party. Learning to delegate can help you leave your work at the office and enjoy your time at home.
Schedule “you time” and time with your loved ones.
Jack Canfield’s book, “The Success Principles,” has some great strategies for setting time aside each month for yourself. He suggests you start each month by looking over your calendar and crossing off certain days that are designated as family and personal time. This is also an excellent strategy to help you learn to say no. If you already have this time blocked off, you are less likely to commit yourself to something you don’t want to do.
In the end, what it really comes down to is being adaptable. Things are going to change; something will come up and shift the entire order of your day, week, or even month. You never know what life will throw at you and the key is adapting to changes in your life. Find your own balance, your own flow and enjoy life.
