We live in a time when we are trying to have it all; work, family, our own personal health and happiness. However sometimes, trying to give 100% of your attention to any one area results only in another receiving much less.
Creating balance is more of an art than a skill, but it’s crucial to realizing a successful outcome in ALL areas. ActionCOACH has listed BALANCE as number nine on its 14 Points of Culture: “I have a balanced approach to life, remembering that my spiritual, social, physical and family aspects are just as important as my financial and intellectual. I complete my work and my most important tasks first, so I can have quality time to myself, with my family and also to renew.”
Before you go and beat yourself up over giving too much of yourself to one area and not enough to another, you need to let go of the notion of trying to have and do it all. Instead, schedule time on your calendar each week for your work, your family and yourself. Treat each block of time as if they are your most important client; because they are.
Time for work
Create a schedule on a weekly planner of hours that you will spend working on accounts, returning phone calls, making sales calls, reading and replying to emails, working ON your business, going to meetings; anything that is important to completing your daily tasks. Create a to-do list of your most important tasks that must be accomplished each day. Focus on the most important tasks first and all other projects second.
Time for your family
On the same schedule that you created for work, highlight areas specifically for your family. Put down date nights with your significant other, sports or activities with your children, and even family movie night or other events that involve the whole family. These appointment times are just as important as meetings you have at the office, so schedule them, prepare for them, and be present in the moment.
Time for yourself
The most important appointment you can make is the one with yourself. If you are to lead a balanced life, you need to take the time to recharge your batteries. Whether you like to golf, exercise, or read, it’s critical that you schedule time for yourself on your calendar. You will be more productive at work and more engaged when you are with your family.
Creating balance in your life isn’t about trying to do it all. But rather knowing when to separate business and pleasure. By carving out niches for each area in your life that is important to you, you will create a more balanced life.