Having balance in life seems to be a viable goal that you should strive to achieve. Balance is vital because it enables you to self-discover the true essence of life. That essence is most often defined as having success at work while not destroying success at home; and, doing so in a manner that does not destroy your health. Now that is certainly a tall order to fulfill but it is an order that you can fulfill.
There are 12 simple rules you can employ which will enable you to position yourself to enjoy the balance in life you can seek:
1) Keep your life priorities in unwavering order. That order must always be faith, family, and career. Your faith provides the strength to support and guide your family through life’s pathways. When faith and family are in strong, the foundation is then laid for you to gain the success from career you seek.
2) While at work, work. Maintain a “super bowl” mentality during your work time. In doing so, you will be applying your best efforts which should bring about the results your company and you need and expect.
3) When your work day is over, it is over. Don’t carry unnecessary work home. Stay off as much email as possible. Devote your time at home to those special people walking through life with you. Your family and those special others needs all of you.
4) As has been coined in book format and speech: Do not sweat the “small” stuff and remember that most things are “small” stuff. 85% of the things you worry about never happen. Of the 15% that do, studies have shown that almost 80% of the time you will be able to handle the issue much better than you expect. Thus 97% of the things that trouble you are most often self-imposed and in a larger sense, “small” stuff.
5) Set aside no less than 30 minutes of quiet uninterrupted time each day to recharge yourself mentally. No cheating. Do it! You need it and you will be better by your efforts in this commitment.
6) Keep daily priorities to a maximum of 3 key things to accomplish each day. It is not quantity of achievement, but it is quality of achievement.
7) Exercise daily. It reduces tension, soothes your outlook and inspires your inner self to achieve. There are many great 7 minute exercise sessions that will stimulate your physical demeanor. It is not a matter of time, it is a matter of commitment.
8) Learn to say no. You can’t be involved in every business project, community event or professional or service organization. Decide what you really like to do and simply pass on involvement in other activities. Strong leaders have the courage to know when to step aside.
9) Find something to be happy about each day. Just knowing that you wake up alive should be enough to keep your energy flowing for the day. If not, think on other areas. You will discover a happy choice.
10) Schedule in family time either with spouse, significant other, kids, etc. in the same manner as you do a business appointment. Then, keep that appointment!
11) Stay away from lounge lizards. Lounge lizards are people who suck the energy out of the room just by walking into a room. They destroy your will to work and your desire to relax. The farther you are from their influence, the better it is for you and all around you.
12) At any time you find yourself faltering in your efforts, re-apply rule 1 with greater determination. Most often your shortfall is a result of getting your life priorities out of order.
Work-life balance is important. It is often spoke about but too often not addressed. Apply these simple 12 rules and allow yourself to experience the best of what life has to offer. It is your choice.
Think BIG! Coaching and Training, Inc.
Herman Dixon
Author, Speaker, Executive Advisor
P. (304) 839-5101
Thoughts to Think BIG! 