Dec 4
In the Office – How do I find balance?
Q. My job is extremely demanding; how can I find a work-life balance?
A. Great question! Work-life balance is more of a counter-balance since it’s rare anyone can consistently split their time or attention 50/50. Even if you enjoy your work, it’s important to remember you teach people how to treat you. You must establish standards and set boundaries so you can have a life outside of your job. The key question is: If you were fired tomorrow, is what you sacrificed today (family, health, intimate relationships) worth it? Although most people know logically it’s not, they are challenged to follow through on a day-to-day basis. Building this mental muscle takes time and starts with small steps.
Some initial action examples include:
- Commit to leaving one day a week at 5:00 pm.
- Create a hard rule: no work (no phone, email or texts) at least one day each weekend.
- Schedule vacations where internet service is limited or nonexistent.
- Schedule weekly “meeting” times with loved ones; they deserve your undivided attention as much as your boss and direct reports.
- Create a succession plan to remind yourself you aren’t that important. It sounds harsh, but the reality is if you are doing your job well you are finding your replacement. This means there is always someone to step-up and lend a hand so you can live your life (and set a good example for how they can do the same).
When living a life becomes more important than funding one, you will find a way to create the (counter) balance you crave.
Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.
