Today is Friday. Already I’m seeing people write, blog and tweet: Thank God it’s Friday (TGIF). I’m all for celebrating the weekend…but it’s not the weekend yet. On Monday I discussed how we lament the start of a new week. By Friday we are tuned into the idea that the week is just about over. To achieve work-life balance, we must give our attention to the task at hand. If I give 100% at work, while I’m at work, I can go home with a clear mind. This will allow me to enjoy my time away from work, rather than dread what awaits upon my return.
- What would your work be like if you gave today, Friday, 100% of your attention?
- What would your weekend be like if you started it by knowing you gave work your undivided attention while you were there?
- What would your weekend be like if you completely disconnected from work?
- What’s stopping you?
I was recently talking with a friend who mentioned that she was feeling burned out at work. She discussed the long hours: her schedule is 7am-3pm, yet she usually arrives at 6:30am and does not leave until after 5:00pm every day. She also lives in a large city with a one hour commute. In addition, she is “on call” every evening. No wonder she’s feeling overwhelmed!
I asked her what would happen if she left on time. She had a list of reasons why this would be impossible and some were quite valid. I then asked her how long she could keep going at this pace, and if her productivity at work was suffering. She sounded defeated. The pace was impacting both the quality of her professional and personal life. After venting, she was looking for guidance. I suggested that she leave on time every Wednesday…no matter what. There was a lift in her spirit, but she immediately countered that this plan would have to wait two weeks, because it would be impossible this upcoming Wednesday. Really, impossible? I challenged her. I stated that if she did not put this plan in place, and stick to it no matter what, she would be back to the long hours and feelings of defeat. She agreed.
Next Wednesday she will leave on time…no matter what. This will be a challenge. But to achieve work-life balance, she must be committed and determined to take this challenge seriously. She stated that this would allow her to focus at work (increase productivity), and have more time at home (salvage her sanity!). By the end of the conversation, her defeated tone changed to excitement and optimism.
“While all aspects of our life are important, without a balance, you become addicted and like all addictions you lose.”
Catherine Pulsifer, from Balance of Life
Give today your focus while at work. When you go home, leave work behind. Allow yourself to embrace the moment…it’s all that you are promised.
“It’s not the time you put in, but what you put in the time.” Burg’s Philosophy
Another resource for achieving work-life balance can be found in Business Week articles and blogs (work-life balance). I encourage you to check them out and see what you can incorporate to help gain perspective and balance.
Please share ideas that have helped you achieve work-life balance! We would love to hear them, and your ideas may be the guidance someone needs to have a more well-rounded, enjoyable life.
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