Lalita Raman
Jack has had several busy work weeks. His morning starts off early and his day doesn’t end till after midnight. He spends most of his weekends working. He realizes that he doesn’t have time for his family, friends or “me” time.
He was constantly in catch-up mode and feels he is in a manic rat-race. He wondered where and when he had lost his work-life balance.
Work-life balance is a catch-all phrase that is considered to be a big problem in many people’s life.
Do you think that work-life balance is an issue for you ?
What does the phrase work-life balance mean to you ?
1. Do you know who you are?
Have you discovered your a) personal goals, b) business and career goals and c) personal growth and development goals?
Personal goals – this is what drives you from moment to moment in your quest for knowledge, your relationships, your family, your desire to earn money, how you see yourself and in the society you live.
Business and career goals – This is the means (how) by which you achieve your personal (why) goals, both tangible and intangible. What skills do you need to develop your talents so that you can progress in your career.
Personal Development Goals – what is your purpose? What are your values? Who are you? An identity that is not associated with what you do but a reflection of your values and your behavior and action. This is the goal that assists you in growth and self-development.
2. What are you passionate about?
Think of all those things that you absolutely love to do. These are activities, which even if you do only for a short time in a day refreshes you. There are many times in our life where we cut down on our sleep, “me `time” and many other activities because we have to complete a project. I’ve found that even during these moments in my life, listening to music or working out may be for a short span of fifteen minutes helps me rejuvenate and I don’t feel overwhelmed. Taking time out for things you absolutely love helps you focus better.
3. What would you do if you had no limits or you knew you would not be judged for what you do?
Even if you are a person who is confident and not that concerned about what people think, you succumb to the pressure to excel in what you do. The pressure from your own inner standards and also one from the outer world where you want to be appreciated rather than judged. When you feel you are on a hamster wheel, asking yourself about the possibilities helps you break your mental frame of mind. Your priorities become clear when you let yourself lose from the shackles of your mind.
4. Do you take a flexible approach?
A routine and structure is good but every day need not look the same. Taking a break from the routine helps you re-energize. Sometimes your work may need more of your time and at other times your personal life. Be flexible.
5. Do you embrace perfection? Whilst there is nothing wrong in maintaining high standards of quality in whatever you deliver, you cannot be at all places at all times. Learn to let go be it at home or work. You are not indispensable and life at work or home will go on without you being present all the time at both these places.
If you set your priorities right and have made a choice to spend more time on one aspect of your life for a period of time, don’t allow your mind to play games. Go with the flow, be present in whatever you are doing and reenergize with power naps or breaks.
Whenever you feel imbalance in your work and personal life, reexamine your life, your time usage and determine if you need to re-prioritize.
What is your vision?
What do you seek to achieve?
What are you doing to get closer to your vision?
Love this topic, Lalita and you wrote about it beautifully! Work/life balance does mean different things to each of us. I try to start my day with the question: What don’t I have to do today? This really helps me frame my priorities and puts aside things that can wait. I then focus on the critical tasks and projects of the day. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Terri. You mention a relevant point in that you prioritize and manage. I think that is the most important. The person doing the work and non work is the same and it is up to each of us how we set and manage our priorities. That includes the art of saying No.
Thank you for your lovely comment. I appreciate
I can totally relate to Jack. I’ve been there and I know that when I was in the midst of it, I didn’t think I had time for these five questions. I was wrong. I have more to give when I reconnect and recharge then when I ignore who I am, what I need and what I stand for…
Appreciate the reminder that even a 15 minute workout or reading a book, listening to music or whatever can make a big difference to our sanity and our sense of balance.
Important questions to ask and answer for all!
Thank you Alli. You rightly point out that it is about reconnecting and recharging, one so easy to forget especially in the midst of things, yet necessary.
The 15 minute break is something that I have consciously adopted recently and despite the eagerness to finish something on a particular day, I find it useful to take that break.
Great points, Lalita. It is about centering ourselves in who we are and what we really want to accomplish in our life. Working is a part of life, and it can be an enabler within the workplace as well as an enabler in what we do outside of work. Being centered in what, how, and why we are doing what we do is so essential. I guess that is why it is call work-life balance! We need to embrace our center! Thanks! Jon
Fantastic point Jon on centering ourselves and leading from within.
Thank you Jon for taking the time to read, share and comment.
Lalita – great post. I particularly like point 1, about knowing who you are and having goals for the different arenas of life. In addition, it is important to have priorities between the arenas. Which is more important, work or the rest of life?
I think an identity independent of the employer is crucial for Life Balance. If too much of who we are is wrapped up in the company, then we will continue to put work first.
What do you think of replacing work/life balance with just Life Balance? As Jon said above, work is a part of life. I wrote a post on the subject just yesterday, and I’d love to hear your take. http://idolbuster.com/archives/2919
Thank you Greg. Yes it is life balance and what you seek to prioritize or manage in your life and in each day or moment of your life. I’ll read your post and comment. Thx u
Thanks Lalita. I look forward to your feedback