Secrets to Creating BALANCE in Work & Life!
I really looove the feeling of “getting things done”. I have always been a bit of a go-getter. I love to create projects and get a really great sense of accomplishment and (to be honest) a little buzz when I say, “yeah, I’m going to do that” and then I actually DO it. But often I feel like it is so damn hard to balance all of my work and creative endeavors with my relationships with my fiance, my friends, and oh yeah, take care of this body of mine! Ugh!
We are all juggling what seems like a million things at a time. We have successful careers, family, relationships, keeping fit and fabulous, and, oh yeah, squeezing in some fun into the mix as well. Remember that, fun?
It is difficult to create balance in life. Its true. But to quote the Shining, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy”. And we don’t want to find ourselves like Jack, now do we??? gulp! I certainly hope not!
We are going to use my signature CORE approach once again to guide you through the process to avoid burning out, hating your life and loosing all your friends and the people that love you.
Let’s go over some secrets to help you create balance between your work and your life.
1. C=CLARIFY what’s your focus
What you focus on will dictate what your life looks like. So rather than aimlessly wandering through life like a robot, figure out what is most important to you? Ask yourself:
- If I could spend my time, and my life focusing on one thing, what would it be? What’s most important?
- If I could add one other focus to my life, what would I add?
- One more thing, what’s next on my list?
- Another?
- And just one more thing? What do I want to add?
If you really take the time to think about this, you will see what your top 5 priorities are in life. Is it family, career, travel, hobbies, then fitness? Or is it career, friends, education, fitness, and finding Mr. Right?
Then think about how your life is now…is it a match with your priorities?
2. O=OWNERSHIP, make creating balance a priority
You are in charge of creating your work/life balance. Own it 100%. There is NO work/life fairy that is going to help you! Are you ready to commit to balancing your life? OK, good:)
Based on your top 5 priorities from above, now you can actually see what is important for you and actually devote your time and attention to each priority at a time. Do you need to turn off your phone when it’s family time? Then do it! Do you need to focus more at work and not allow yourself to get distracted?
You may also find that you are allowing yourself to get distracted, and maybe not spending your time and energy focusing on the things that are on your priority list. If it’s possible, let go of any commitments or activities that are not supporting your priority list. For example, if finding a great relationship is on your priority list, and you keep finding yourself going out with that guy that is not interesting and you just know is not “Mr. Right”, then you know what to do…time to be true to your priorities and let him go so that you can make room for the potential Mr. Right to show up!
3. R=RE-EXAMINE and RELEASE
If you’re like me, you would never consider cancelling last minute on a client and you would never disrespect anyone by not showing up or being late for a work commitment. However, when it comes time for you to register for that acting class you’ve been really wanting to take just for you, or finding the time to work out….it becomes a little fuzzy.
Well, guess what? You deserve to treat yourself with the same level of respect and honor that you would treat anyone else with. The golden rule of: Do unto others as you would have done unto you”, could use a little tweaking for most of us. Re-examine and replace the golden rule with the diamond rule of: Do unto yourSELF as you would have others do unto you.
First let’s focus on re-examining.
You must commit to making your life balanced. So, what does that mean for you? Do you schedule work time, fun time, family time, fitness time? Or do you go with the flow and really commit to focus 100% on whatever it is you are doing? What’s the answer for you? Really take a good look and re-examine with clear eyes.
Now, let’s release.
Release judgement from the past. Release your old script with all of your “shoulds” and “must” and “I ought to’s”. Those things don’t help you and just make you feel like crap.
Now doesn’t that feel better!
For many of us, releasing means accepting help when it’s needed. If you are a Mom, and feel like your relationship with your MAN is missing, time to hire a babysitter for the night and commit to date night! For entrepreneurs and solopreneurs, it may mean hiring an assistant so that you can do more of the things you are BEST at, and less of what you’re not! If you are working at a company, it may mean you have to step up and communicate honestly with your boss about your needs and desire to be the best you can be, on and off the job and let them know, “I will be better, if I’m more balanced”.
5. E=ENERGIZE, by relaxing…..
Having fun and taking time to relax are essentials to a balanced life. Need I remind you of Jack from the Shining? So, just as you commit to your meetings and deadlines, make a commitment to yourSELF and balancing your life.
How do you unwind? When do you feel most at peace? When do you feel happiest? What are some things you love to do, that recharge you? Create a little “RELAXATION” list, be sure to include some things you love with friends, as well as things *just* for you too!
You know what to do, DO IT! And don’t wait for the relaxation fairy to book you tickets to Aruba, because it ain’t gonna happen! You WILL make time for those things that are most important to you. You are the only one that can create balance in your work and life.
And I just know that you can do it:)