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Work
Six Steps for Creating Work-Life Balance
By Jatrine Bentsi-Enchill, J.D., CPCC
Today an increasing number of us are experiencing burnout, low
productivity, insomnia, and stress related illnesses…undoubtedly due
to a lack of balance between our work and personal lives. It’s time
to look at how we can create greater balance in our work and
personal lives.
What looks like balance to one person may differ for another because
individuals have different goals, values and definitions of success.
However, there are some common definitions of balance that include:
- Having a sense that there is enough time in the
day to effectively accomplish work-related tasks.
- The ability to get through our daily work and
family responsibilities without feeling drained.
- Having the ability to participate in activities
we enjoy on a regular basis.
At the heart of successful work-life balance is:
- Accomplishment: getting the stuff we need to
get done and
- Enjoyment: having the time for loved ones, fun,
rest, exercise and hobbies
Although the concepts of achieving balance are
simple, actually creating a balanced life isn’t easy, but it is
definitely worthwhile.
Here are some steps to help you on your journey
toward life balance. It’s a process so be patient with yourself.
1) Begin your balance journey by figuring out
what your values and priorities are.
Yeah I know…feels like everything is a priority. Yet too often, our
time and energy are spent on things that we don’t really care about.
Once you’re clear about your values and priorities you can begin
saying “no” to those things that move you further away from your
values and priorities and ”yes” to those things that are in
alignment with your values.
You can begin to structure your life in a way that supports the
personal and professional goals you want to accomplish. Determining
the goals you want to accomplish and the quality of life you want to
live, will help guide you toward figuring out what balance looks
life for you.
2) Identify your balance “blockers”.
Balance blockers are those things that we either think or do that
stands in the way of achieving balance. It’s basically a perspective
we hold about why we can’t pursue balance-related goals. Some
examples of blockers are:
- Living for the expectations of others at work
and at home
- Consistently putting the needs of others before
your own
- Fear of change
- Hung up on appearances
- Perfectionism
Once you identify your blockers pay attention to
when you use them as excuses to justify why you can’t achieve
balance in your life. Explore ways to accomplish your balance goals
in spite of your particular balance blockers.
3) Balance your mind.
The key to balance is all in your head. Begin to think differently!
So many attorneys feel guilty about focusing on work-life balance or
they believe taking time out for themselves...away from work is an
unproductive use of time. I’ll tell you what I tell my clients GET
OVER IT!
Most times, we treat our cars better than we treat ourselves. What’s
the first thing we do when we notice our car is low on gas? We fill
our tanks! Well, living a more balanced life is about filling your
tank.
Those initially cynical lawyers who reluctantly committed to living
a more balanced lifestyle now report that they are more relaxed,
have more time for themselves and haven’t sacrificed their jobs or
their level of professionalism in the process!
4) Create “non-negotiable” time blocks in your
schedule at least 2 times per week.
Non-negotiable time is personal time that you set aside for yourself
that you absolutely cannot and will not reschedule, cancel or
postpone…it’s simply non-negotiable. Devote at least 30 minutes to
these time blocks.
Write the non-negotiable appointment in your palm or day planner as
you would for any other appointment. You can use the time for
anything NON work related. This time is set aside so you can focus
on you. Go workout, get a massage, take yourself to the park…or do
nothing! Just pick something that you’ll enjoy.
It may feel strange at first but commit to do this for at least 6
weeks…and guess what? You’ll get the hang of it.
5) Consider hiring a Professional Coach.
When you’re trying to achieve a more balanced life and everyone
around you is being rewarded for working round the clock, it’s tough
to stay focused. The truth is making change that will affect you
personally and professionally can be challenging…even when the
change will be positive.
This is primarily because familiar patterns are hard to break. The
bottom line is that we all need someone to talk to. Not a
significant other, colleague or friend, but someone whose only job
is to help you plan your career, manage your life and set goals to
keep you on track. That is the job of a Professional Coach.
6) Create a Vision.
Having a vision of what you want to accomplish is a powerful tool to
help you achieve any goal. Write down your vision of a more balanced
and fulfilling life style.
In creating your vision consider: If your life was more balanced
than it is today…what would you have time to do? What would you no
longer do? How would your career improve? What impact would a more
balanced life have on your relationships and your quality of life?
About The Author
Jatrine Bentsi-Enchill, J.D., CPCC is the CEO and
founder of InSite Corporate Coaching and training a full service
coaching, consulting and training company. InSite offers personal
and executive coaching, and training to organizations committed to
creating a harmonious, productive and inclusive work environments.
Visit InSite’s website at www.InSiteCoach.com.
Or contact us at: 704 814 6784
Jatrine@InSiteCoach.com |
