Oct
21
2010
Tips for an improved work/life balance – by Kath Roberts
Maintaining a work life balance is essential if we are to be effective and fulfilled in life. It is easy to lose focus when we are out of balance. Work-life balance is now considered to be the second most important driver in employee attraction and commitment ahead of compensation. Importantly, those workers that have it work twenty-one per cent harder.
The preoccupation with work-life balance is no surprise in today’s busy existence. Gone are the days when leaving the office meant actually leaving work behind. Blackberries, laptops, iPhones and the magnitude of social media sites mean our availability and our access is constant. This easily gets out of control, particularly if you are a type a personality (workaholic). The competitive global environment and current economic uncertainty puts increasing pressure on people to work overtime due to cuts in manpower and the constant threat of redundancy.
The consequences of all this, not surprisingly, is more stress, ill-health and in-balance.We have better living standards and more wealth than ever before yet people feel less happy with their lives. Women especially have greater opportunity, achievement and more influence and financial independence yet face increasing levels of depression.
Every human being deserves the right to live in balance giving time and energy to the things that enrich and fulfill us and make our lives worth living. Positive psychologist, Martin Seligman writes that some people are hard wired to respond optimistically to work-life balance or the ups and downs in life whilst others are not. The good news is it can be learned with a little bit of discipline.
6 tips for leading a balanced life.
1) What do you really want?
We leak energy and become drained and frustrated when we get into a pattern of pleasing others and living in accordance with their standards rather than our own. Are you clear of your motives and your underlying passions and purpose in life?
What are your values and are they in sync with your actions?
Are you being truly authentic and speaking your truth?
Getting clarity on what you truly want from your life is the first critical step to leading a more balanced and meaningful existence.
2) Who are you surrounding yourself with?
Are you stimulated by your peers, colleagues and clients?
Do you have true friends who have your best interests at heart?
Are you in the right environment to best utilise your talents and gifts?
Do you have a personal development plan or life/business coach to provide objective guidance?
3) Are you thinking the right way?
There is substantial evidence that the way we think can have a profound and a lasting effect on our mood and motivation levels. If you are one of lifes pessimists then you will need to re-programme your thoughts to expect the best not the worst and to swap those habits for more encouraging self talk. Focus on what has been going well rather than how far you are from your goals. See obstacles as opportunities, remain flexible and open to possibilities. Recognising and being grateful for what you have is a great way of getting things in perspective.
4) Listen to your body.
Self care is essential to restore and maintain well-being and balance
Are you sleeping well?
What are your eating habits?
How would you describe your energy levels?
Taking time to exercise and look after yourself is an essential component to balanced living.Listen to your intuition as it never lets us down and provides the subtle nudges to move us in the direction that is right for us.
5) Set healthy boundaries.
Real life and business is interconnected but that does not mean you need to give up your privacy. You need boundaries so you can feel generous without feeling depleted and available without feeling drained.
6) Nourish your Soul.
Review your emotional and spiritual health. Do you need to forgive someone or let something go?
Are you learning something new?
Are you fully engaged in your work?
Are you connected?
Is there something you were born to do?
Whilst company policies geared at greater flexibility of hours are in demand they only go so far in providing the solution to employee engagement and commitment..There is an increasing trend of employees turning away from the daily treadmill and looking for alternative solutions to create a more balanced way of life.
Kath Roberts now describes herself as a ‘talenteur’ and ‘corporate escapee ‘ having spent 13 years in the recruitment industry for an international brand where her last role was Managing Director. She now liberates talent by coaching others in following her lead to set-up their home business selling personal development products creating financial freedom and enhancedwork life balance. If you’re looking to escape the corporate world and become a home entrepreneur but you’re not sure how then this is an option you might want to consider.For more information please visit http://www.alchemy4thesoul.com