Here's how you can balance your personal and professional lives as a creative strategist.

Prioritising for me means using the Pickle Jar Theory. If you want to fill your jar to its brim with rocks, pebbles, sand and water - you need to order them correctly. Rocks are the most important tasks that you can't hold off on, eg finishing off a pitch deck that's due today or packing for your holiday tomorrow. Pebbles are things you could do with ticking off quite quickly, eg booking that 1-2-1 with your team to make sure they're on track or putting that white wash on that's been sat in the laundry basket. Sand are the tasks that would be nice to complete, eg scheduling some LinkedIn posts or finding a new restaurant to go to next weekend. Finally, water are the tasks you can do to last, eg sitting on the sofa and watching a film.

Setting boundaries is not just for work-life balance. Tasks we undertake in order not to be perceived as offensive, or alternatives that we "just try" even though they do not fit the creative strategy, can also cause us to lose our balance. Learn to say NO so that the value of the tasks you accept will be more appreciated.

We've all experienced it, when your boss messages you on your holiday or over the weekend to complete something, but I've never found that the business falls apart should you not respond. Setting boundaries means being firm with your team in two ways: 1. Do not expect people to respond out of work hours and don't berate them for not doing so 2. Set an example that (as long as you've given apt notice for your absence) your personal time is your own Communicating these boundaries is important because it shows that work is not the be all and end all of your life, rather a facet of your being. If you're in a situation whereby boundaries are being crossed consistently, I'd advise reestablishing them with your team or finding somewhere else.

Creative work is addicting! The creative cycle is wonderful, creativity is what sets us apart from other apes. However, we've got to think about our creativity is a resource that can be depleted. The mind can't come up with idea after idea, design after design, thought after thought forever. It will eventually crash and burn if not given time to refuel. More than that, if you don't take the time to take in the world around you, you'll find your only inspiration being the ideas you've already had. Your creativity will cease to be an expression of how you view the world and will become an expression of a copy of a copy. Take time to go out there and live life, take care of yourself, otherwise you'll drag yourself down quick.

Balancing personal and professional lives as a creative strategist can be effectively managed by embracing flexible work arrangements and prioritizing wellness. In the Asia-Pacific market, Singapore-based creative agency VMLY&R implemented a comprehensive work-life balance program in 2022, which includes flexible hours, remote work options, and mental health support. As a result, employee satisfaction increased by 35%, and productivity rose by 20%. This example demonstrates that by fostering a supportive work environment and leveraging flexible policies, creative strategists can achieve a harmonious balance between their personal and professional responsibilities, enhancing overall well-being and job performance.

To avoid burnout, it's important to take stock of your wellbeing frequently. Whether that means taking 5 minutes away from your desk every hour, or taking a walk to think of some creative ideas, I cannot recommend self reflection enough to retain your mindset. Reflecting on your role, however, means checking whether you're being fulfilled in the work you're doing. Are you happy with how your work is portrayed? Are you proud of your output? Is there more you could be doing to enjoy life outside of work? All of these are pivotal questions to ask yourself if you want to ensure you stay on track to progress in your professional and personal life.

Balancing personal and professional lives as a creative strategist can be effectively achieved by adopting flexible work practices and leveraging technology. In the Asia-Pacific market, Japanese advertising giant Dentsu has implemented policies to support work-life balance, including flexible working hours and remote work options. According to a 2022 internal survey, 70% of Dentsu employees reported improved work-life balance and higher job satisfaction due to these initiatives. This approach allows creative strategists to manage their time efficiently, reduce stress, and maintain productivity, ultimately fostering a healthier and more sustainable work environment.