LIFE
BALANCE
Since changing jobs can often be due to a desire for better
life balance, here are some tips we wanted to share we try to
use in our own lives. These directly relate to your work success
and true "life success". What is the benefit of working so hard
if you are not happy?
Tips for maintaining LIFE BALANCE:
1) Prioritize what is IMPORTANT (vs. urgent).
Sometimes it is easy to find yourself being "busy" on what is
in front of you, without asking, "Is this the most important
thing I could be doing right now?" Knowing what is important
and a priority to you is the first step in balancing work, health,
family and faith. Write them down so you could quickly answer
the question, "What are your Top 5 priorities in life?"
2) Schedule meetings with yourself. Based upon
your priorities, block out time on your day-planner or Outlook
calendar for things like: "date night with spouse", "play guitar",
"work out", "time with kids", "volunteer work". Our schedule
has a way of getting eaten up as we schedule other activities
looking at the "available" on our calendar. Important: When
someone asks to schedule something that will conflict, just
say, "Sorry, I have something planned during this time, would
the next day at ___ work instead?" You will be amazed how easy
it will be to keep an appointment with yourself!
3) Force yourself to meet new people in new groups.
It is very easy to stay in our comfort zone with the same routine
and friends. Going to a new association meeting, user group
or look for interesting speakers.
4) Balance your life experience among: receiving (mentors),
sharing (peers) and giving (volunteer or mentoring others).
If you do not have a mentor - find someone you respect in business
or personal life and buy them lunch! If you do not already in
a group where you can mentor others, consider your local Boy's
& Girl's Club, church organizations or mentor a college
student. To those who much has been given, much is expected.
5) Build a "dream list" of activities/experiences.
Write down what you would like to do (personal, hobbies, professional)
in the next few years. Write them down and put them in a place
you can see everyday. You will be amazed how many get accomplished
because they are in front of you regularly.
6) Remember to say "thank you" to clients/team/family
members who make you successful and got you to where you are
today.
7) Have fun! If you find yourself smiling less
than you would like, remember what brought joy/happiness before
(hobbies, hiking, new friends, etc...) and try to integrate
more of this in your routine.
