Does work-life balance only exist in fairy tale self-improvement books? The desire to “have it all”: a successful career, happy family, and your own hopes and dreams can be overwhelming. Here are 5 tips to help you with that high-wire circus act.
1. Achieving a balance is a dynamic process
Once you think you’ve got it, you have to do it all over again. In short, there are so many things out of your control, such as the economy, weather, your boss, and other people. What’s within your control is how you respond to the needs of the moment. Keep juggling; practice makes perfect.
2. Change your understanding of balance
Once you know rule #1, i.e. be adaptable, you’ll take responsibility for your own life. Plus, you’ll also recognise when not to blame yourself when your plans go awry. Work-life balance can throw you off like a bucking bronco in a rodeo, so cut yourself some slack and get back into that saddle.
3. Keep on moving
So your presentation wasn’t a smash hit, and your son thinks you’re a failed parent for forgetting to get him from school. And you missed your session with your certified fitness coach. Again. But that’s in the past; it no longer exists unless you replay it in your head like a broken record. Said Gandhi: your future depends on what you do now. Move on.
4. Stay centred to make progress
The more centred you are within yourself, the more actively you can move on and pursue life’s possibilities. All activity proceeds from a basis of stability. To find your centre, take a five-minute time out every day to spend time with yourself. If you can bear to be with yourself, so can others No questions asked. Just be.
5. Be consistent in your actions
Consistency is part of balance. As you treat yourself, so should you treat others, and vice-versa. Be consistent in taking care of yourself (exercise, work, rest and leisure) and you’ll treat others kindly too. It’s a virtuous circle.
