We often notice others who are “burning the candle at both ends,” but recognizing it in ourselves can be much harder. We justify our frantic busyness as necessary or normal when, in reality, it’s neither.
Do you spend more time working on weekends than laughing and having fun?
Do you often fail to keep personal commitments, using work as an excuse?
Are you unhappy with what you’re doing?
Are you out of shape physically?
Do you let work take time away from activities you love?
Do you try to do everything yourself?
Do you frequently check your email or voicemail when you’re away from the office?
Are you mentally and physically exhausted at the end of your workday?
Do you allow work to dominate every aspect of your life?
If you truthfully answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, it’s worth considering the toll this lopsided way of living can take on you and those you love—and what you can do to change it. Being out of balance doesn’t mean you’re a bad person; it means you’re missing out on the joys of life and meaningful relationships with loved ones. The hard truth is that every second you sacrifice fun and family time for your job or business is a second you can never get back. So, how can you prioritize your life and create a more fulfilling professional and personal balance?
Work/Life Balance Key #1: Commitment
The idea of living a happier, more fulfilled life may sound appealing, but you might struggle to imagine where you’ll find the time to balance fun and work. The truth is, the time comes from three sources: 1) the increased energy that taking care of yourself provides, 2) your commitment, and 3) your happier, more can-do attitude. Let go of wondering how you’ll make it happen and commit to yourself. Whenever you truly commit to something you want, the "how" will follow.
Work/Life Balance Key #2: Personal Planning and Accountability
If your default is to work, work, work, and you want to reverse this trend, what needs to change? A written personal plan that focuses on taking care of you—and a team to hold you accountable for sticking to it.
Work/Life Balance Key #3: Team
Like anyone tackling an enormous challenge or moving forward from the past, you need a supportive team that holds you accountable for prioritizing yourself. You also need a team to help you achieve your business goals so that you can take time away when needed.
Work/Life Balance Key #4: Leadership
Focus on the big picture—be the visionary you’re meant to be—and let your team handle the rest. Stop being the answer and start being the question. By asking your team questions that require them to develop solutions, you empower them to think critically and grow. This simple shift (from being the answer to being the question) allows you to focus on the vision while your team becomes capable of carrying your business forward, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Your business. Your life. Creating a balance between the two doesn’t have to be hard. However, you must commit to writing and following your personal plan. Only you can ask for help and delegate to your team. Only you can stop being the answer. Only you can make the choice to prioritize you.
So, as you reflect on your choices, remember: You are the only person who has a say in how your life turns out!