Balance
There is only one definition to balance: it is the definition you choose for YOU.
Our trusty Cambridge dictionary defines balance as: A state where things are of equal force or weight.
Who ever coined the term: WORK-LIFE BALANCE as a state to be strived toward to enhance overall wellbeing didn’t know about YOU - define your own balance. When you do define it, your work-life balance can be anything and look like anything!
When people share with me that they’re struggling with work-life balance I seek to re-frame and re-name their dilemma. I ask if work life satisfaction works for them and can they relate to that concept?
Julie Cohen, author of Your Work, Your Life, Your Way, explores 7 keys to work-life balance. It’s worth a read and, since I’m writing this blog I want to put my “Energy for Life and Soul” perspective on work life satisfaction.
I’m going to ask you to do a few things as you read this so that at the conclusion you may have a different perspective on your own work life satisfaction – or not!
Reflect on where you are putting your energy on a daily basis. I know that will vary with the weekend and weekdays – reflect on both.
How are you typically feeling at the end of your day? Do you have energy to spare and could easily go for a walk after dinner or a cycle ride? Are you exhausted after dinner and just want to sit or lie on the couch? Do you have a glass or two of alcohol or have you decided to abstain during the week?
How much sleep do you typically get on a regular basis? How well do you sleep?
How much fun are you having doing your work? And when you’re not working? What is filling you and what is depleting you?
If you are not feeling joy, energy and fulfilment in your life it may be time to do some “fine tuning” on the above areas. I offer these suggestions to the above reflections.
Are the things that consume your day giving you energy or taking away your energy? That is the easiest barometer to use in terms of daily satisfaction. If you feel depleted at the end of the day – take a serious look at your activities and your emotional responses to them.
You’ve read it, you know it, you’ve experienced it (or not) - us mortal humans need 7-8 hours of sleep a night for optimal functioning. The research is there – your body speaks to you and what is it saying?
If your work and life are not bringing you joy, what do you need to change, start doing or stop doing?
Is this really doable? Like anything in life, it takes some structure, discipline and support. Who is in your life that can support you and encourage you in creating the work-life satisfaction you deserve and absolutely can have. Find them, talk to them, tell them what you need. Maybe it’s coaching with me!
