For those of us who work, finding a work-life balance can be a real struggle. It is something that many search for, but few achieve. Keep on reading my top tips to help you achieve a better work-life balance.
1) Create your own definition of work-life balance
A work-life balance looks different to everyone. Maybe where you work is important? Maybe it is the hours you work that is important? Maybe it is the number of hours you work? Work-life balance is about finding a way for you to perform well at work, but also have a fulfilled personal life, and that is totally personal. Spend a moment working out what your ideal work-life balance looks like.
2) Get Comfortable Saying No
Once you have decided what work-life balance looks like to you have to stay strong in enforcing those boundaries. Inevitably that means you are going to have to say ‘No’ to people. Maybe it will be a client, your boss, your colleagues, your friends or your family. Saying ‘No’ isn’t always easy, which is why you need to be clear in your mind about what you are trying to achieve and be willing to actively work towards making it a reality.
3) Let go of the guilt
Maybe you said ‘No’ to that 5 am conference call, but then you feel guilty. Guilt isn’t going to serve you so let go of it. The fact is that achieving a good work-life balance will benefit everyone around you. So once you have made a decision stick to it and don’t worry about it.
4) Switch off from work
With the changes in technology, it is no longer as easy as stopping work the minute you leave the office. Now you can be working 24/7. And in my experience, I have met many entrepreneurs who left their job to get a better work-life balance and then end up working all the time. Even if you are happy working a lot, be sure to set times when you are strictly not working and take it as a time to switch off and properly recharge.
5) Be fully present
If you are trying hard to achieve a work-life balance then is likely you want fulfilment in both areas of your life. In point 4, I talked about switching off from work when you aren’t at work. However, it is just as important when you are work to give it your all. Wherever you are – be present and give your all.
