What do you do if your work-life balance is out of whack?

This question is extremely relevant at the moment. Aging workers are finding themselves working harder than ever to prove their value and those new to the workforce seem to be accepting lesser roles to break into companies of their choice. This all comes along with a self-imposed desire to accept more work and extended hours. However, the quality of one's work can be effected by working hard (but not smart). 1. Prioritize work that has to be done (tasks), so you can devote greater attention to work you enjoy doing (strategic work). 2. Delegate where necessary (this will contribute to making you a better leader). 3. Wake up early and divide tasks into a wider range of work hours. 4. Find time to take breaks that involve physical activity.

To regain balance, first identify and prioritize your essential tasks, then set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Experiment with flexible arrangements to find a rhythm that suits your unique lifestyle and energy levels. Ultimately, work and life aren't entirely separate; achieving harmony is more about finding the right rhythm that aligns with your goals and values. Make sure you check-in with yourself and ask, what is the rhythm of my life right now? What needs to slow down, speed up, or stop? You’re in charge of your Rhythm ?? ??

When your work-life balance feels off-kilter, it's time for concrete action. Start by ruthlessly assessing your situation. Are you frequently burning the midnight oil or sacrificing personal time for work demands? Acknowledge these patterns without excuses. Then, set firm boundaries. Designate specific work hours and stick to them religiously. Prioritize tasks ruthlessly, delegating or renegotiating deadlines where possible. Embrace technology to streamline tasks and reclaim precious time. Cultivate hobbies and interests outside of work, scheduling them as non-negotiable commitments.

Reevaluate priorities and boundaries, ensuring dedicated time for both work and personal life. Implement strategies like setting strict work hours, delegating tasks, and engaging in self-care activities to restore balance.

Maybe you are enjoying it. In a research in a top global bank it was found that most AVP and VP's left late because they enjoyed it, met at a local bar and then went home. Surely you cannot blame the organization for that except that they can switch off lights and AC at 6 pm but not the pubs in London.

Start being assertive not aggressive. Learn to say NO Tell people that you are not available during the weekend or at the movies Assert yourself

Train someone first for routine tasks. don't just delegate because you cannot delegate accountability. So once you are training someone for routine task, closely supervise their work, give feedback and once they are capable and willing delegate those tasks

Make opportunities for creativity to strike. And start with small steps vs. upending everything. A little flexibility goes a long way. Infuse creativity into your work-- whether that's getting a fresh perspective from someone new or mixing up your approach. You could write an imaginary news blurb that summarizes your project as if it were already complete and award-winning! Or jump to the final section, then return to the beginning. Maybe take a walk-- if a brilliant idea comes to you, make a quick voice recording. I'm also a big fan of allocating time for creativity, and in fact, I'm squeezing in a drawing break at lunchtime today.

Perhaps there’s no work-life balance, if you want to live an extraordinary life, trying the balance work and life will keep you mediocre and may not able to unleash the full potential in you, like you’re passionate on something and because you’ve to balance it so you need to force yourself to stop. The idea of work-life balance can be shifted to priority in a specific time horizon, like this period is just focus on your work fully, and before it burnout, now focus on rest or family fully until you’re ready to work again. The time horizon is vary from individual, so if you try to stay balance 50/50, will not give you a quality life that you want, because you’re not living out your best, especially if you’re working in creative field.