Work-live Balance, Humbug, or Amazing

Work-life balance may be one of modern society’s most overused and misunderstood concepts. Amazon lists over 6000 books on the subject, with many more related, but don’t necessarily call it the same thing. Countless coaches and consultants have presented “simple” solutions to apply if you subscribe to their program. Some experts have call it a myth.

Yet, I believe the answer is quite simple: We all have 24 hours each day and if we have large egos, we will pump as much into that 24 hour as possible, but it is usually with little forethought and making the right choices.

After 76 years of working through this, I have finally understood that a day is a continuum with a start and finish. Within this continuum are six sections that can expand and drop in size based on our decisions regarding each one. It boils down to choices. What level of importance do we give each section, and what portion of our energy are we willing to invest?

It is by no means a binary answer for anyone.

Here are my six sections:

· Business & Professional

· Family & Loved Ones

· Personal Physical

· Personal Intellectual

· Personal Emotional

· Personal Spiritual

Too many times, we look at it simplistically, whether we try to carve it up into 4-hour sections and suck at them all, or we choose to over-invest in one or two and sacrifice the rest. This mindset leads us down a dangerous path and usually leads to many regrets. While we can comprehend complex thinking, we cannot fall into the multitasking trap.

We are still linear thinking beings, so all multitasking does is break actions into small segments that we start and stop to make it seem like we are accomplishing much more than we think possible. However, research has shown that it leads to more errors than anything.

Finding life balance while maintaining your career and without relying on costly solutions involves integrating simple, effective habits and strategies into your daily routine. You will notice that I make no recommendations about the six sections themselves because those are personal choices, and one size does NOT fit all.

Here are ten ways to achieve this balance:

Prioritize Your All Your Tasks:

I suggest you start each day by identifying the most critical tasks. Use the Eisenhower Box (urgent-important matrix) to categorize tasks. Focus on what truly matters, reducing stress from overwhelming to-do lists. Spend time consciously working through this so it becomes a positive habit, striking a balance where you are most comfortable.

Set Flexible Boundaries:

Clearly define your work hours and personal time with some built in flexibility . Communicate these boundaries to colleagues, friends, and family to ensure you have uninterrupted time for both work and relaxation. While this is important, I don’t recommend you box yourself in too tight in any section. As you grow and those around you become accustomed to your boundaries, there will be flexibility that begins to crop up that you can use to reinvest in other areas. Understand when you recognize it and learn to leverage it for growth and your humanity.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation:

Buzzwords, but significant buzzwords. Even a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and improve focus. These practices require no special equipment and can be done anywhere. A simple prayer or deep breathing exercise, when you sense the tension rising or feeling depressed will make a huge difference.

Exercise Regularly:

I have always struggled with this area, but today, I have set minimum daily steps with a target to increase over time. So far, I have seen improvements in my outlook and demeanor. Focus on incorporating some physical activity into your daily routine. It will improve physical and mental health. Choose any activities you enjoy, such as walking, yoga, or home workouts, to stay motivated.

Quality Time Over Quantity:

Make the time you spend with family and friends count. When you engage in any of your sections, stay focused on why you are there and how it benefits your overall attitude. Engage in meaningful conversations or activities that strengthen relationships rather than passive engagements like watching TV. If you are in your spiritual section, be open-minded and willing to walk the talk when necessary. Above all, know that your decisions are yours and that someone else’s passion is not driving you or that someone else is not holding you hostage.

Learn to Say No:

Overcommitting can lead to burnout and isolation. Be selective about taking on new obligations, and don’t be afraid to decline requests that would disrupt your work-life balance. Weigh the cost of taking on new work or expanding another one of your sections. Consciously decide, then look for where you will cut out something else so you can balance your sections again. Don’t borrow from tomorrow for today because the deficit will eventually catch up with you.

Take Short Breaks:

Short, regular breaks during the workday can boost productivity and creativity. Use this time to step away from your desk, stretch, or do a quick mindfulness exercise. It is remarkable how much even a few minutes can make the difference between anxiety and relaxation.

Pursue a Hobby:

Engaging in hobbies can be a great way to decompress and find joy outside work. Hobbies like reading, gardening, or crafting can be simple and provide a sense of fulfillment. While this is very important, you also need to be warned that hobbies can become obsessions, thereby destroying the benefits that you started the hobby for in the first place. Hobbies must also have boundaries or ensure they are shared within the family.

Plan for Downtime:

Schedule downtime just as you would work tasks. Dedicated time to relax or pursue personal interests will help recharge your batteries and improve overall satisfaction. Again, this is very important, but allow yourself flexibility so you can adapt as necessary to the various things that life throws at you. While rigidity seems to be the holy grail of time management, it often becomes a crutch so that we can ignore or miss essential things in our lives.

Reflect and Adjust:

Regularly assess your work-life balance. What’s working well? What isn’t? Adjust your routines and strategies to accommodate your evolving needs and priorities better. When necessary, commit to reinventing yourself at work, home, or wherever required, but always focus on improving, not hiding or avoiding the mountains in your life.

In Summary,

Implementing these strategies can help you find a more balanced approach to life without quitting your job or investing in expensive tools. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that enhance your well-being and satisfaction.

But make no mistake, your decisions are yours to make, and with that comes the responsibility and accountability for the results for yourself and others around you. Unfortunately, none of us live in a vacuum, totally isolated from those around us. Obsession is not your friend. Balance and compassion are. Always lean towards the side of caring and loving.

It’s your choice whether you are living with the Humbug or Amazing.