Try work-life ‘fluidity’ over balance

Is it time to throw work-life balance out the window? Since leaving my corporate role and starting my own business as a leadership coach, I've paid close attention to how I manage and protect my energy. As someone prone to burn out, it's really important to me that I take simple steps to be more mindful with my time. Fundamental to my approach is that I now view work-life "fluidity" as inherently more rewarding than some idealised notion of perfect work-life balance. The word balance implies a neat and tidy world where equal amounts of time and focus can be given to your home and work life. And where the 9-5 is an absolute boundary between your work and your home life. For so many of us, this just isn’t realistic. Work-life fluidity is about making intentional choices and working in a way that gives your focus to these choices – both personal and work-related. Here are my 5 tips to make work-life fluidity work for you ? ? 1. Use your personal values and motivations to guide you ? Sit and reflect on what’s most important to you and why. Figuring out your values and what motivates you is a really powerful way to frame what you want most out of your career and your life. ?2. Identify your priorities – at work and at home ? Make a list of your priorities across your life and map them to your values and motivation. Remember – you can’t do everything, but you can typically do the things that are most important to you. Prioritise the priorities and be ready to delegate or discard the rest.? ?3. Use time blocking to make your diary work for you? ? I use time blocking to manage my business and my home life and to create boundaries that protect my productivity and my energy. Plan your diary in advance and block out time for the most important tasks and events that you’ve identified in tip number 2. Give equal weighting to these if you can – for example, if exercise is non-negotiable, treat it with the same importance as that meeting you cannot miss and schedule it in. ?4. Role model this approach to the people around you? ? You’ll be most effective when the people around you – your team, manager, peers and family and friends – understand what you’re prioritising and why. Make yourself a visible role model for effective work-life integration and for setting respectful boundaries. ?5. Don’t apologise for your choices? ? We are all doing our best and that is going to look different for everyone in different seasons of their life. The point is your path has to be meaningful for you. In letting go of the notion of balance, you are liberating yourself from an impossible idealised version of yourself and showing that you can set boundaries and create habits that serve you. What habits do you find most helpful for work-life fluidity? Share in the comments! #HolidayMode #VacationMode #LinkedInNewsUK #worklifebalance #worklifefluidity #selfdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #professionaldevelopment

So, a question I often get asked - how DO you build a sustainable work-life balance? What's THE formula? It's the holy grail for those of us who work and have other responsibilities and desires too. And something I spent years trying to 'nail'. And what I have come to realise are a few key things. Firstly, it's not about spreading your 'time' evenly. I have juggled things in so many ways to make sure I had enough 'time' for everything and nonetheless found myself struggling to attain that sense of balance. Managing to fit all the things in (mostly) but feeling exhausted, drained, irritable, guilty for being 'there' but not 'fully present' in anything. Nor is it a 'thing' you achieve or attain - it's a FEELING. Which is why sometimes (often!), even when everything looks great and adds up on paper, things can still feel massively off. Neither is it a 'once and done' state of being, that when you've 'found' balance, you've cracked it forever. Just because you may have it today, doesn't mean the same ingredients and formula will still feel good tomorrow, or next week, or next year. Because it's a feeling, not only is your sense of balance affected by changes to your external circumstances (becoming parent, changing jobs, ill health, moving house, etc), it is also affected by your inner state, how many demands are being placed on you and how resilient you are feeling, and the interaction between all these things. Thus what makes for good work-life balance is highly variable, not just between individuals, but for the same individual from one year to the next, from one week to the next. Which is why having highly fixed and rigid ways of working can play havoc with those feelings of balance. (AND, which is why, BTW, Mid-life can feel so grim, unpredictable and like the worst, least fun, unbalanced roller-coaster in the world, ever... hormones AND all the other ??) Oh, and there's one more thing. And for me, and the women I work with, this is FUNDAMENTAL. This Work-Life balance consideration usually misses one vital ingredient - and that's YOU. When we think about work-life balance it is most often the external things we consider: how we will manage the demands of each of these areas in our lives within the time we have available. What we consider much less is the energetic and emotional requirements placed upon us by each of these demands, and our own personal needs and desires. Yet without taking account of these, it's WAY harder to create a true FEELING of balance. So - how do you create a sutainable work-life balance? (I can feel a blog coming on...) - in short, make sure YOU are factored into the equation on purpose, treat it as an ongoing journey rather than a destination, and remember it's a feeling to cultivate, not a thing to attain. What do you think? #HolidayMode #VacationMode #LinkedInNewsUK

How do you build a sustainable work-life balance? #HolidayMode #VacationMode #LinkedInNewsUK The biggest mistake people make in attempting to build a sustainable work-life balance is that they do this alone.? They set their own private boundaries and work very hard to hold these against the tide of work commitments and the hordes of colleagues who are striving towards the same end of a healthy and sustainable life.? In this way of doing things the employee is ever the flexor, constantly juggling, reprioritising, responding, feeling conflicted.??It is a lonely and stressful business. The key to making this easier and more sustainable is to think of work-life balance as a COLLECTIVE effort, a collaboration, a team-level negotiation.??In our work at the The One Moment Company we call this a Time Charter, an agreement that guides how your team organizes time in the working day, including your conventions about: *priorities (at work and at home) *deadlines *working hours *availability *time-zones *meeting practices *decision-making *calendar conventions *delegation The process starts with quality conversations about what people actually need in order to work and live at their best. And doing this in September when everyone is back from vacation is an excellent opportunity to make a start. The end result is a clear, simple set of agreements about work practices that: ? Helps work flow better, simpler, faster, ? Respects the diversity of individual time needs for deep work, health, family, recovery. Because, after all, clarity is kindness. Martin Boroson #timemanagement #timeframing

#HolidayMode?#VacationMode?#LinkedInNewsUK ?? Cultivating a fulfilling life is similar to tending to a garden. Sometimes, you need to prune certain aspects of your professional life to allow new growth and fulfilment to flourish. ?? ?? As leaders, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of work, constantly striving to meet deadlines and exceed expectations. But here's the thing: taking time off is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for our well-being and the success of our teams and organizations. I was inspired by a recent study conducted by Harvard Business School, executives shared their strategies for achieving work-life balance. Here are some key takeaways: ?? Define success for yourself: Success means different things to different people. It's important to understand what success looks like for you and how it evolves. ?? Manage technology wisely: While technology can be a great tool, it's crucial to set boundaries and not let it take over your life. Make yourself available, but not too available, and prioritize face-to-face interactions. Switch off while you are on family holiday! ?? Mental Health: Getting away is crucial for our mental well-being. It helps reduce burnout and provides a much-needed break from the pressures of work. ?? Cognitive Health: Taking time off supports our cognitive health by reducing stress and allowing us to gain fresh perspectives, leading to better decision-making and creativity. ?? Social Wellbeing: Neglecting personal relationships can have a detrimental impact. By setting clear boundaries and being fully present during family time, we strengthen our social connections. ?? Development and Empowerment**: When leaders take time off, it empowers their teams and creates opportunities for growth and skill development among team members. ?? Rigorous Processes: Leaders who prioritize time off drive the need for robust processes that don't rely solely on individual contributions, ensuring smooth operations even in their absence. ?? Culture: Leaders set the tone for the organization. When they demonstrate the importance of work-life balance, it encourages others to do the same and fosters a healthy and supportive culture. ?? Remember, taking time off is not a sign of weakness or neglect; it's a strategic move that benefits both ourselves and our teams. So, let's make a conscious effort to recharge, relax, and come back stronger than ever! #Leadership?#WorkLifeBalance?#TimeOff?#Wellbeing?#mentoreu Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to work-life balance. It's about finding what works best for you and your loved ones. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! ???

How do you build a sustainable work-life balance? << Thanks to,?Emma Hudson, for inviting me to the conversation! >> In the past, any problems maintaining a healthy WLB have typically come from identifying too much with my work, and being a bit perfectionist! All the stresses, issues and deadlines became personal shortcomings and anxieties. There’s only so long you can do this for before you’re facing Burn Out?? I had to realign a bit – ? identify what I could change in my day and my mindset to feel like I wasn’t just my work... ??♀? + learn be fulfilled by my work and personal life simultaneously. I found out I can care and invest as much into my work WITHOUT taking the harder times personally. This means I look after myself better, and I can deliver a sustained productive performance - because I don’t see it as a short coming to invest in myself. Feel like you may have some unbalanced priorities? Have a look how I went about checking in with myself to better my WLB. Thanks to?#LinkedInNewsUK?for reaching out for my take on maintaining a good Work-Life balance! HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A GOOD WORK LIFE BALANCE? Share your tips in the Comments! #HolidayMode?#VacationMode?#lifesciencesrecruitment

How do you build a sustainable work-life balance? Building a sustainable work/life balance is necessary in a fast-paced world. Most of us like to think we're in control, but when did you feel distracted by mobile phone app notifications? How long did it take you to respond to what you thought was a quick 5-minute work message/call/email? All of these can impact our mood and inner and outer well-being. Here are some steps to help you achieve a better balance: ??Set Clear Boundaries:?Clearly define your work hours and stick to them. Avoid checking work emails or engaging in work-related tasks outside of these hours. ??Prioritise Tasks:?Make a to-do list and prioritise tasks based on their importance and deadlines. This can help you allocate your time more effectively and reduce the tendency to overwork. ??Learn to Say No:?If overwhelmed, it's okay to decline additional work or commitments. Politely but firmly communicate your limits. ??Allocate Time for Yourself:?Schedule regular breaks and time for activities you enjoy, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. Treat this time as non-negotiable. ??Practice Time Management:?Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to structure your workday and maintain focus during work hours. This can help prevent tasks from bleeding into personal time. ??Use Technology Mindfully:?While technology can enhance productivity, it can blur the lines between work and personal life. Turn off notifications outside work hours, and consider using apps tracking your screen time. ??Set Work-Related Goals:?Define achievable goals for your work tasks. When you have clear objectives, you're more likely to stay focused and avoid getting stuck in a cycle of overwork. ??Communicate with Your Employer:?If your workload is overwhelming, discuss your concerns with your employer. They might be able to provide solutions such as delegating tasks or adjusting deadlines. ??Practice Self-Care:?Prioritise self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, such as meditation, exercise, reading, or spending time in nature. ??Unplug Regularly: I can't stress the importance of this point. Set aside specific times during the week or weekends to unplug entirely from work-related activities. This helps you recharge and disconnect from work-related stressors. ??Evaluate and Adjust:?Regularly assess your work-life balance. If you struggle to maintain balance, adjust your strategies and commitments accordingly. Parting Comments Make time work for you instead of running after it. It pays to add more buffer time to your work schedule so you're not taking work home. I know so many people who do, and they feel guilty for not spending time with their families or even on themselves. Remember, the onus is on you because no one will figure this out. Only you know yourself better than anyone else. #HolidayMode #VacationMode #LinkedInNewsUK

How do you build a sustainable work-life balance? #HolidayMode #VacationMode #LinkedInNewsUK The antagonism contained in the description 'work-life balance' is something that I'd like to see addressed and updated. It's very binary. Very black and white. There's a tension between the elements. It's like the two things are on a see-saw, and if one goes up, then the understanding is that the other has to go down. Or else, everything has to stay static. What each of us has is actually a personal ecosystem. For some, parts of that ecosystem will be doing better than others. In order to have a healthy personal ecosystem, we need to understand how the elements impact each other. But it's not just 'work' and 'life'. It's much more subtle than that. We all recognise the impact our diet and exercise has on our performance, right? But what about our relationships? Or how our brain works and responds to various situations? These aspects of our ecosystem operate across the board. Getting under the hood with them helps us both personally and professionally. It becomes a virtuous circle, with various parts of the ecosystem becoming more resilient, and supportive of other parts. Both the practise of maintaining this ecosystem in terms of our own decision making, and how close we run this ecosystem to its edge, are make or break for our health, happiness, effectiveness, and overall wellbeing. Cos let's face it - we don't shut off the work tap when we leave the office, and we certainly don't stop having a life when we enter the building. It's not a 'this or that' situation. It's 'this AND that'. We are all the things all the time. Having more finesse in how we understand and support our personal ecosystem is a game changer that allows us to see it in a new way, and make better choices for more effective outcomes. Do you feel like you're on a see-saw or cultivating a personal ecosystem? How's that going for you?

How do you build a sustainable work-life balance? Many business owners I speak with often find themselves asking just how do I balance my personal and professional life to avoid burnout? Balancing ambition and personal well-being can be a challenge. As a divorced parent, my children are only with me some of the time. An experience many share, and along with that comes a sense of guilt when I get distracted by just one more email or client call. Do you ever switch off as a business owner? Well I guess the answer is no. Just as we would never switch off from being a parent, or a loving partner. The more we simply see it all as our life, our time then maybe we can stop the endless battling between one or the other. Establish routines that work for you and your family. Or if it's just you, then plan time to get out in nature, have fun, get to a festival or whatever works for you. The quote “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't.” sometimes means being kind to yourself when you discover you have lost balance. It starts with awareness. Notice the signs of burnout and take action to regain parity. #HolidayMode #VacationMode #LinkedInNewsUK

Work-Life banalce in F1??? It’s obviously a tough business for all of us involved, with the current number of races and the international calendar! But… but…. Are you aware of the “F1 Shutdown” concept? By regulations every team has to stop all activities for: - 2 weeks in August - 1 week in December (starting this year) A clear and simple regulation, that allows to freeze the business. What’s amazing is that you’re not coming back to work with 1000 emails to read or lots of piled up jobs, cause everyone stopped?? Thinking about work-life balance and stress burnout risks, this is such an amazing opportunity to consider for many other businesses out there??!! The business is made by the people that work relentlessly in the factories, pack up and down the garages at the race tracks around the world. To know that the regs watch out back is much appreciated by each and everyone and their families!! ?? Have a great shutdown?? #formula1 #f1 #motorsport #worklifebalance #mentalhealthawarness