What are the best ways to balance work and personal life in brand strategy?

This Summer I had the privilege of taking some much-needed time off, and it turned out, my vacations have been the best among teachers. Here are a few lessons I've learned: ?? Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget the value of taking a breather. ?? Disconnecting from screens throughout the entire vacation is a real game-changer. ?? Setting Boundaries even with clients who have direct access like WhatsApp or phone calls, is not only acceptable but essential. ????♀?Vacations shouldn't be about replacing your regular work routine with intense workout sessions just to feel like you're "doing something." ? If you feel like you need more time than initially planned to recharge, take it without hesitation.

Having an accurate business strategy along with the exact definition of brand identity and culture is the main foundation for building a brand image.

Balancing work and personal life in brand strategy, a field demanding creativity and dedication is essential for overall well-being and sustained performance. Time Blocking & Boundaries. Allocate specific blocks of time for work tasks, personal activities, and relaxation. Set clear boundaries by communicating your availability to colleagues and clients. Prioritize tasks to ensure efficiency during work hours and make time for rejuvenation, ensuring you're at your best both professionally and personally.

It's Not About Time; It's About Energy: One thing I've found invaluable is not just managing my hours but my energy. It's not enough to just "have time" for personal life. If you're too drained from work, that time isn't quality time. So focus not just on when you work, but how you work, and how it leaves you feeling.

Defining priorities is the foundation of balance. Identify the key values and goals that steer your life and work. Understanding their alignment or conflicts allows you to make informed choices about time and resources. Clearly communicating your expectations and boundaries to those around you fosters a healthier, more harmonious balance in both personal and professional realms.

Okay. Unpopular contribution: aren't you tired of these 'gurus' meticulously planning every second of their work lives, making it look like a walk in the park? While let's face it: for most of us, life is far from a neatly scheduled spreadsheet, isn't it? Instead of chasing unattainable ideals, I think that we should learn to forgive ourselves for those 'off' days when schedules go haywire, embrace imperfections, and find beauty in the chaos. Life is unpredictable, and that's what makes it interesting! It's a journey of progress, not a quest for perfection. And in the imperfections, we often find the real gems of creativity and innovation.

Having a schedule is a great way to set boundaries and expectations, but being able to be flexible is incredibly important as well. Being in brand strategy means that you need to be able to adapt to feedback and changes in the marketplace so get on a schedule, but know that adaptability will be the key to your success!

Client Chemistry is Everything: I've seen many brand strategists get burnt out not from the workload, but from working with clients who don't resonate with them. It's essential to pick clients that align with your values and working style. A smooth client relationship can be a game-changer for your mental peace.

One way to take care of your mental health is to be selective about the jobs you take and the type of client you take. In a way, your prospective client also has to pitch to you as the service provider, your employer as the potential employee etc-why? Because we have to enjoy working together. This selective process should happen as early as possible to save you from headache and heartache later.

Managing energy is pivotal for work-life balance. Beyond time, it's about your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Prioritize good nutrition, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and relaxation practices. Recharge creativity and passion through reading, learning, or exploring, ensuring you maintain high energy levels and peak performance in both personal and professional spheres.

Boundaries Aren't Walls; They're Filters: When I first started in this field, I'd often mix personal and professional time. But, a golden rule I've discovered is that boundaries are filters, not barriers. They allow the good in while keeping unnecessary stress out. It makes a world of difference!

In the pursuit of work-life balance, we often overlook a vital aspect—managing our energy. It's not just about how you manage your time; it's about how you feel and perform in those precious hours. Recently, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my well-being :) I started by taking regular breaks without hesitation, allowing myself to step away from work to recharge. I even invested in an annual subscription to a nearby yoga center, introducing mindfulness and physical activity into my routine. By slowing down and maintaining a high-quality presence during work hours, I've discovered that protecting my energy is not just a key to work-life balance but also to sustained personal and professional growth.

What people don’t understand about the strategy process is that it is a process. So set your boundaries, but also express your realities. You need to inform those receiving your service of the intimate details of your process so that when the boundaries are made clear, there is a better understanding of why those boundaries exist.

Working remotely has blurred the line between work time and home time. Set clear boundaries between work and leisure, especially as it pertains to the space you use. Keep your work isolated to your desk or home office. Bringing work into your main living space makes it harder to transition from work to leisure as you lose the transitionary signal of leaving your workspace.

No Strategy Survives Contact with Reality Unchanged: Flexibility is a superpower. No matter how perfect your strategy, the market will always throw you a curveball. Instead of resisting, lean into change. That adaptability makes all the difference, not just for your brand, but for your sanity.

Support also comes in the form of saying no to a job because you have too much on your plate, but offering an alternative from trusted friends in the industry who would be able to guard your reputation and deliver a phenomenal job. This is the privilege and joy of community. Form your community circle before you have to. That way, you’re not anxious about whether the support you have asked for is helpful or not.

Passion Projects Fuel Professional Success: Counterintuitive as it might sound, one of the best things I did for my career was starting a passion project. It gave me a fresh perspective, ignited my creativity, and kept burnout at bay. When you fuel your passions, your professional work benefits.

Actually, I Disagree With 'Always On' Culture: In an age of smartphones and 24/7 emails, there's an unspoken pressure to always be available. But here's a radical idea: it's okay to switch off. In fact, disconnecting is essential for mental clarity, creativity, and, ultimately, better brand strategies.

It's about split testing different options, documenting the journey, and understanding what works for you. Another great way is to find someone who is on a similar journey as you and learn what's working for them. It may not be perfect for you, but chances are you'll get to learn the do's and don'ts.

This article is more about work-life balance and less about brand strategy. The tips are applicable to any profession. I was looking for info on how to manage facilitating alone, workshop hours, etc.

Here's how to maintain work-life balance Divide your awake hours equally, meaning if you sleep for 6 hours, the remaining 18 should be divided equally into 9. Now 9 are for you, your family/friends/coworkers And the rest 9 are for your work. I know most of you violate this balance but trust me, you're setting yourself up for failure and burnout if you're not following the equation.

Achieving work-life balance in brand strategy isn't about perfect equilibrium, but an evolving dance of prioritizing, setting boundaries, and seeking support. Let your values guide your steps.