LIfe And Work – A Balancing Act
July 22, 2008
While, some of us obsessively check our Nokias or BlackBerrys in bed and haul our laptops to important events, there are many out there looking to balance high-powered career demands with a fulfilling family life. The challenge of achieving a work-life balance is without question one of the most significant struggles faced by modern man. Life balance is always at or near the top of their greatest personal and professional challenges.
Take up the challenge by taking responsibility for and becoming the creative force of your life. Decide what you deem most important in life, develop vision and deep commitment to life’s main things, and then put these things first and foremost, organizing your life around your chief priorities.
Despite technical innovations, most people are finding it tough going at work and are clearly frustrated with the state of things. They have no idea where their organization is headed or what its highest priorities are. Bogged down with work, the cost of failing to engage the passion, talent and intelligence of the workforce leads to massive waste of time, energy and resources.
That is why it is important to prioritise to achieve a balance between life and work. For balance at work, narrow your focus down to the one, two or three most important goals you must achieve. After you’ve narrowed your focus to the few key goals that must be accomplished, select the few activities that are key to goal achievement. Once goals and measures have been defined, put them on a scoreboard for all to see whether you’re winning or losing.
Drop unnecessary activities, such as, television watching when you have a new baby in the house for efficient time management. Protect your private time by refusing to check e-mail and cell phones once you are out of office and at home with the family. Don’t just rely on yourself; take help from family members and friends in balancing your life. For example, while the wife cooks dinner, the husband can work out. After dinner, while she works out, the husband can watch the kids and help with their homework. Fun and relaxation are an essential part of living a well-balanced life. Take music, dance or cooking lessons, join a book club, take up photography, play tennis, go swimming, go travelling, vacation in exotic places, anything that makes you happy and gives you a much desired break from home and work.
As for achieving a balance in life, get your act together. Companies are helping their employees do just that by educating a father-to-be on what to expect when his wife is pregnant, or encouraging staff to take lunchtime surfing breaks, the age of widespread life-work balance seems to be finally dawning.





























