A work/life balance is something many of my private coaching clients strive for. Work/Life balance—it’s tricky. Actually, I’d say it’s bullshit if I’m being completely honest.
The concept of balance, in general, is ok, but balance isn’t always 50/50; in fact, it rarely is. It could be 65/35, 90/10 … it’s creating the “balance” of activities that keeps us from feeling bogged down, exhausted, and stuck.
Our concept of work/life balance allows us to believe that work is separate from life … and they are not two mutually exclusive things. How could they be? Work is a part of life.
How can you balance a part of your life (work) within the whole?
And why is it we so often feel work as a negative in our life when looking at balance?
Other than work, what’s worth spending time and energy on? Are there non-negotiables in your life? What are they? Family? Friends? Health? Play? Do we want to truly balance all these other pieces of life evenly with work? Is that even realistic?
So often we place much of our time and focus on a few areas of our life, and neglect the rest. And unfortunately, it’s not always the truly important pieces that get our time and attention. Let’s face it—the squeaky wheel does get the oil.
We put our blinders on and we go, go, go. We rarely slow down and honestly look at the choices we’re making and the long term impact of each of them. We’re in the movie instead of watching the movie as my Shihan always said … in other words, we’re so focused on what’s in front of us, we don’t see the big picture.
I love this quote by Stephen Covey,
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
For a moment, I’d like you to imagine what life would be like if you did this, consistently?
What if you scheduled your priorities? What would they be?
What’s truly important to you? What are your non-negotiables in life?
What do you want the rest of the year to look like for you? And for your family? What are your priorities? Schedule them. Make them a priority. See what happens when you do.
I’d love to hear your comments. Are you ready to get clear on your priorities—your non-negotiables—in life and honor them consistently? Click Here to apply for a free Clarity Consultation with me … let’s get you intentionally moving towards the life and business of your dreams, now! Make you a non-negotiable!
Indeed, balance is never 50/50. To me balance is doing what makes me and the ones I love happy. Work is often overwhelming, and when it happens, I like to take a break, go outside, look around me and fill my soul with the beauty God so generously gave us. That’s how I cope, and that’s what helps me find balance.
Thanks so much for reading my blog and sharing your insights Mihaela. It is amazing how going out into nature can shift our perspectives and our attitudes isn’t it? Thanks again!
I love the concept of scheduling your priorities! I used to let exercise and family come last because I was “too busy.” Now they are my number one priority & I feel happier, more relaxed & yes, even more balanced. 🙂
Thank you for reading my post Tae, and for sharing your insights! I like to say make self-care a part of your business plan…if it makes you feel better, it will make you do better! Glad you’re choosing you!
I agree that balance isn’t 50/50. I think it helps to focus on the things that really matter and lights you up and not getting bogged down by the tasks that drain you.
Thanks so much Felicia! Getting bogged down by tasks is never helpful (or productive) is it? Thanks for reading!