Life’s pace can be hectic with a daily blur of dizzying activity and demands on our time. You may often find it difficult, if not downright impossible, to maintain the right balance in your work, family, and personal life. To further complicate this challenge, many people are working remotely due to the global pandemic and tasked with managing work and family needs throughout the day. According to a Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) Study, 42% of the U.S. workforce is now working remotely; and according to multiple studies, many employees report extended workdays. Given these added challenges and the potential for burnout, creating a well-balanced life is a wise investment. Life is way too short, and a world of amazing possibilities await you, so read on to learn ways to create a successful, rewarding, and balanced life.
Right now, you may be wondering if it is even possible to live a balanced life while successfully achieving your goals in life. There was a time I shared the same skepticism that you may be feeling right now. Any successful person will likely tell you how they worked long hours, sacrificed time away from their family and friends, and missed out on many fun leisure time activities. While some sacrifices may be required, occasionally, these habits should not become a way of life to achieve an important goal. I have experienced burnout firsthand and know all too well the importance of creating a balanced life.
Of course, it requires time to change a habit, and, according to scientific studies, the time required will depend on the person and circumstances. Even so, I can tell you, speaking from experience, that it is possible to live a successful balanced life of purpose and still maintain passion and commitment to the things you love! The difference is that by discovering that ‘right’ balance in your life, you can devote your time and energy to meaningful, productive work that enables you to achieve your goals in life.
Are you ready to start creating a successful balanced life? Here are a few ideas to help you reach your goal:
Make Self-Care Your Top Priority
You matter. Your health matters (mind, body, and spirit).
All your goals and aspirations will not matter without good health. Practice self-care daily. Be your own VIP. It is perfectly okay in this instance to put yourself first. The airlines have a safety message on the use of oxygen in the event of a radical cabin pressure change and is a good reminder of the importance of self-care. An abbreviated part of the message reads. “… if seated next to a child or someone who needs assistance, place the mask on yourself first, and then offer assistance.” The inference is that you must practice self-care first before you can help others, and the same is true in living a successful balanced life. Let’s review each aspect of self-care:
Mind – Good emotional health is essential for a balanced life, so arrange “me time” daily to recharge, reflect, and renew. The amount of time you schedule is your choice, but be sure to use this time for the things you enjoy that energize and relax you and create a feeling of calm, joy, and happiness. Maintain positive thinking. You may opt to spend time hanging out and having fun with close friends, trusted colleagues, or family members who make you laugh and lift your mood. Avoid negative people whose words, actions, and deeds deflate your mood.
Body – Commit to live a healthy lifestyle by eating good nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and getting the right amount of sleep daily. If you believe in the old myth, “I can catch up on sleep I lost,” then think again. Recent studies agree with the long-held standard that you can’t catch up on lost sleep. If you occasionally do not get the right amount of sleep, a quick nap is recommended, according to the study.
Spirit – Recharge your spiritual side after each day. You may opt to take a long, refreshing walk, listen to music, spend quiet time in prayer and reflection with God, gardening, or whatever activity that allows you to shed the stress and push away the issues that may linger from your workday.
Manage your Time Wisely
Time is a cherished gift, so guard your time wisely. Take inventory of your workload (meetings, calls, projects, reports). Determine if there are things on your plate that you should delegate to your team members for their development and growth. If you work independently, or if delegation is not possible, review your work and determine the best completion method, i.e., what must be done now and what can be done later. Schedule timeslots on your calendar to complete the work by the established completion date.
Resist the temptation to double-book other business appointments into slots scheduled for work completion, except in case of emergencies or other unexpected issues that you must (vs. opt to) attend. Efficiently managing your time can be even more difficult with the current remote work environment and the blurred lines of family and work life. To manage your time effectively while minimizing potential conflicts and promoting family harmony, make sure that family, friends, and loved ones are aware of your work schedule and availability.
At times, it is necessary to work beyond your scheduled hours; but try to make this an occasional occurrence and not a common practice. Leave the office (regardless of location) at the end of your day to ‘refresh and recharge your batteries.’ If you consistently find the need to work beyond your scheduled workday, talk to your manager for assistance or to discuss the matter, and recommend possible solutions to resolve the issue.
Organize Your World
If you have never worked remotely or had children at home, it can be challenging to focus, avoid distractions, and maintain productivity during the day. If you do not have a separate office and have set up a temporary office in an area of your home or apartment, the challenge can be even more significant. Whether working from a furnished office or a makeshift one, being organized is essential for focus and productivity. If not already done, take time to organize your workspace or office, so that the items and information you need are easy to find and utilize throughout the day. In this way, you avoid wasting unnecessary time searching for the correct file or report and other items you may need.
Love The Work You Do
When you love and have passion for the work you do, it is evident to everyone around you.
People with passion for the work they do are self-driven and self-motivated to do their best work. They are continually growing and evolving and seeking ways to improve the performance of the company and themselves. Successful people know and embrace their purpose in life and continuously take action to develop, grow, and do the work they love.
So, the questions to ask yourself now are: “Am I creating a successful, balanced life?; Do I know and fully embrace my purpose in life?; and Am I living a life of destiny, or have I drifted off course? If you want to create a successful, balanced life, but have not achieved this goal on your own, arrange a free consultation, and let’s begin the discussion. As the famous American artist, Thomas Kinkade, said so well, “Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.” Contact us today to take action and let us help you get on course for success! Your destiny is waiting…are you on course?
