Achieving a work-life balance is often discussed but is only sometimes realised. It is possible to create this balance through deliberate planning and commitment. Below are five tips to help you achieve a satisfactory equilibrium between work and the other aspects of your life.
Empower yourself by making deliberate choices
People must realise what they’re doing to avoid falling into a certain life pattern. It’s important to make conscious choices about how you spend your time and where you expend your energy. These choices should take into account both your values and the realities of your situation, such as the requirements of your job and the demands of your home life. Doing so lets you control your life and pave the way for a more balanced existence.
Schedule time for family and personal interests
Often, people make a schedule that only includes work commitments. The assumption is that whatever free time is left over will be sufficient to accommodate everything else in your life. There are better approaches than this. As you note company meetings and training sessions on your schedule, you should include teacher-parent interviews and yoga classes.
Disconnect from communications technology
In this era, many people can connect to their job while away from the office. It’s convenient to check an important email from someone in another time zone while sitting at home in the evening. But this connectedness can also be a chain that prevents you from getting away from work responsibilities. If you find yourself frequently checking your work email account when playing with your kids in the evening or relaxing with friends on the weekend, consider scheduling periods when you disconnect entirely from such technology. This can bring a sense of relief and reduce stress, allowing you to fully enjoy your personal time.
Assert your needs and set boundaries
If work responsibilities often bleed over into family or personal time, setting boundaries is necessary. This may include informing your manager and other colleagues about your availability. For example, you may need to say that you’re not willing to come into the office on weekends, that you can’t work overtime, or that you can’t travel out of town more than a certain number of days each year. Doing so lets you assert your needs and gain confidence in your decisions, leading to a more balanced life. Setting boundaries empowers you and puts you in control of your time and energy.
Accept your limitations
Ultimately, you have to confront the fact that you cannot be everything to everybody. It’s impossible to be the perfect CEO and parent. Either one role or the other is shortchanged. Accepting your limitations is the first step toward determining an appropriate work-life balance. This accommodation involves tough choices, but it results in a sustainable balance.
Remember, work-life balance is not a mirage but a tangible goal that is within your reach. It does require careful planning and difficult choices. Because your time and energy are not unlimited, it’s necessary to set priorities and then make decisions based on your values. Be assured that the energy you put into this effort will pay abundant dividends, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. With the right strategies and mindset, achieving work-life balance is not only possible but also a source of hope and optimism for a better, more fulfilling life.
Looking to revitalise your career? Contact Insight Training to enrol in a course and take the first step towards advancing your career. If you prefer personalised assistance, call our Course and Career Advisor at 1300 046 744 to get started.
