You’re a busy executive with a demanding job. How can you make time for your personal life?

Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process. Experiment, find what works best for you, and be willing to adapt your strategies as needed. It's also important to remember that balance doesn't mean equal parts work and personal life. There may be times when work demands more attention, but the goal is to create a sustainable schedule that allows you to thrive in both areas.

Start by listing out commitments that relate to your personal life. These should be things like health, family, and hobbies. Then account for these in your schedule. Many leaders make the mistake of scheduling their professional life and then fitting in their personal life wherever they can. But the exact opposite is the approach that will yield long term balance and happiness.

To make time for your personal life, prioritize key activities, set boundaries around work hours, delegate tasks when possible, use time management techniques, and ensure to schedule personal time just as you would important meetings.

One of the best ways to make time for your personal life is to plan it in advance. Here are some tips: 1. Set clear goals for the week, both personal and professional. 2. Prioritise tasks based on importance and deadlines. 3. Allocate specific times for work and personal activities. 3. Make sure you include breaks in your schedule. 4. Learn to say no to non-essential tasks. 5. Use tools and apps for better time management. 6. Review and adjust plans daily. 7. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t at the end of the week.

To balance your demanding job with your personal life, it's essential to be intentional and have an accountability partner. Start by setting boundaries and creating a schedule that includes time for personal activities. Share your goals with your accountability partner and establish regular check-ins to ensure you're following through on prioritizing your personal life. Remember, taking care of yourself ultimately makes you more effective in your professional role.

As an executive, you may have a tendency to micromanage or do everything yourself. But that’s not the most efficient or effective way to work. Here are some things you can do: 1. Identify repetitive tasks that can be automated. Use software tools for task automation (e.g., email auto-responders, scheduling tools and AI) 2. Break down projects into smaller tasks for easier delegation but be sure to choose the right person for each task based on skills and workload. 3. Clearly communicate expectations and deadlines. 4. Provide necessary resources so people can do these tasks 5. Establish regular check-ins for updates, but avoid micromanaging. 6. Give feedback and appreciation where needed. Do not underestimate the power of saying thank you

Just a recap: 1. Schedule personal time just like business appointments. Mental health is so important, and your time will soon get snapped up. 2. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. It is okay not to check the emails at the weekend. 3. Delegate tasks and responsibilities and use automation tools for routine tasks. 3. Learn to say no 4. Prioritise health and wellness activities, both in and outside of work 5. Plan quality time with family and friends in advance. Remember to do the things you love to do 6. Utilise annual leave 7. Regularly assess and adjust work commitments. 8. Research work-life balance strategies 9. Communicate openly with family about work pressures and commitments 10. Review your balance every 3 months

A busy executive should keep two important things in mind. 1. Health is wealth and 2. family time should not be mistaken for time spent at work. A wise executive understands that genuine support and honest feedback come from loved ones above all else. Therefore, it's essential to make time to disconnect and engage in activities that enhance your health, as this will improve your performance in your demanding job. Secondly, it's crucial to allocate sufficient time for family activities, such as assisting children with schoolwork, sharing meals with family, and anything else that is important to your family. This is non-negotiable if you want to excel in your role. Prioritise your busy schedule over your personal life at your own peril.

Dominar la priorización efectiva y la habilidad de decir "no" son estrategias clave para mantener un equilibrio entre la vida profesional y personal. La priorización te permite enfocar tu energía en lo que realmente importa, asegurando que las actividades valiosas no se vean eclipsadas por las demandas laborales. Aprender a decir "no" es fundamental para proteger tu tiempo y bienestar, permitiéndote rechazar compromisos que no se alinean con tus objetivos a largo plazo. Ambas habilidades requieren claridad en tus límites y prioridades, y una comunicación efectiva para que otros comprendan tus decisiones. Practicar estas habilidades no solo te hace un líder más eficaz, sino que también enriquece tu vida personal.