In 2007, I made a major transition. I
stopped going to work. While I still had a job, employees to supervise and a
business to manage, I made the strategic decision that I was going to regain
control of my life and make time for the things I enjoy and me!
It was a difficult decision because it
required me to start working smarter, but not harder. It also forced me to
alter my mindset in terms of working from home and not commuting to an office
every day. Perhaps, this was the most difficult part of my work-life balance transition.
Also, I needed to learn how to use technology so I could work smarter and be
more productive. I no longer could rely on walking down the hall to ask my staff
of 20-somethings to answer my techie questions.
Studies tell us that nearly 76% of
Americans are unhappy in their jobs. Perhaps this explains why so many people
are unfulfilled and, therefore, unhappy with their work-life balance. But, not
everyone can simply decide – as I did – to stop going to an office and work
from home. And, frankly, not everyone would be happy working from home. There
are many people who enjoy the workplace environment, the social interaction and
the office politics. They feel connected and in the know.
So, how can you create a work-life balance
that works for you? Here are 5 simple steps to help you. Some of these steps
might appear trivial. But, take if from one who has done it… they work!
1. Identify the Top
Ten Priorities
in your personal life and on the job. This step will help you identify what’s really
important to you, personally and professionally.
2. Create a
Work-Life Balance Schedule based on your top ten priorities. The goal is not to accomplish all ten of your
personal and professional priorities, but rather, adhere to a schedule that
allows you to start tackling your top three or four – whatever you have the time
and energy to do.
3. Stick to Your
Schedule.
If, for example, your top three personal life priorities are: (1) exercise 45
minutes daily, (2) spend quality time with your family each day, and (3) completing
the New York Times Sunday edition crossword puzzle each week then these are must do priorities for you. The same
holds true for your top three professional priorities, whatever you deem them
to be. While you may not be able to accomplish all ten of your top priorities, schedule
yourself according to what you can accomplish.
4. Monitor Your
Results.
The best way to determine if you’re moving towards your goal of creating the
proper work-life balance is to monitor your results. Have a checklist on your computer and keep
score everyday of your priorities. Check them off as you accomplish them each
day.
5. Reward Your
Success.
Every week, reward yourself when you’ve achieved the work-life balance you’re
seeking and your checklist is complete. Remember, it’s not about 100%; rather,
you’re trying to move a little closer to your goal every week. Eventually, you’ll
begin to see major changes in your attitude and behavior as you edge closer to
the work-life balance you seek.
Ultimately, the greatest rewards you’ll
realize will come in the form of personal satisfaction, wellness and a positive
outlook on life and your job. These have been the results I’ve experienced and it
only took me 6 months to reach that point. Now, I’m loving life because finally
I’m in control of my life. Well, almost. Excuse me for a moment while I change
the cat box and take out the garbage!
About the Author. Tom Hinton is
the author of 10,000 Days: The Rest of
Your Life, the Best of Your Life! now available at: www.Amazon.com
Tom is a popular speaker on Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth
topics. He also facilitates The Course of
10,000 Days retreat workshops. Contact: tom@tomhinton.com
