A FRESH APPROACH FOR HIGH-ACHIEVERS ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Are you struggling to find a work-life balance?

As ambitious high-achievers, we often juggle?multiple responsibilities and commitments,?constantly fearing that the slightest misstep could send everything crashing down. But what if there was a better way?

What if we could find a sense of harmony between our work and personal lives?

Josh Cote, a Business Consultant and founder of EAW Consulting, is often asked by clients how to create a work-life balance. He suggests imagining a different scenario, Work-Life harmony.? It is not a balancing act where you need equal measures on each side, it is more about getting both working together.

The work-life harmony approach?

The concept of 'work-life harmony,' a perspective that acknowledges the interplay between our professional and personal lives. It recognises that rather than trying to?separate?the two, they can?work together harmoniously?and allow us to thrive in all aspects of life.

Josh Cote understands that finding work-life harmony is about finding?synergy?between our passions, goals, and responsibilities. Don’t think of it as striving for an?equal?time division between work and personal life, as that may not always be realistic or desirable. Instead, it's about aligning our values and priorities so we can allocate our time and energy in a way that feels fulfilling and meaningful to us. How can we do this effectively??

Ways to incorporate work-life harmony?

The key to true work-life harmony is finding ways to blend both parts of your life symbiotically rather than keeping them separate. This requires a holistic approach. Here are some critical aspects of work-life harmony:?

1. Integrate, don’t separate -?Ever heard of time blocking? Time-blocking is a widely used method in achieving a healthy work-life balance, allocating specific time slots for work and personal activities. However, a more flexible system is employed in a work-life harmony approach. Instead of adhering strictly to a clock, tasks are prioritised based on urgency, significance, and?individual energy levels.?This approach allows for more flexible time frames for tasks and even permits the setting of daily goals?without specific time restrictions.?It involves seamlessly blending work and personal tasks throughout the day, such as taking personal calls or completing quick household chores during working hours.
2. Adapt and adjust -?Individuals who strive for a?harmonious?work-life may face challenges during pivotal life stages, such as starting a family or caring for ageing parents, where personal obligations intensify. During these periods, the distinction between professional and personal life becomes hazy. Conversely, those seeking work-life harmony are more likely to navigate these stages with finesse, as they have become adept at?blending work and personal commitments.
3. Flexibility, not rigid?- Embracing work-life harmony means?avoiding strict boundaries?on technology usage outside of work. Work-life harmony means fully embracing the convenience of technology, using it to blend professional and personal lives seamlessly. As an illustration, they may not hesitate to attend personal calls during work hours or respond to work-related emails during their personal time as long as it is necessary and fitting.

The holistic approach?

It’s true to say that it may take some time to attain work-life harmony. After all, high achievers are focused on productivity and can be inclined to overwork. Here are some ways to adopt a more holistic approach to life and work:?

Mindfulness and conscious choices?- To ensure your work/home life remains harmonious, be sure to create a plan of what you will spend your time on with a focus on integration. Meditation practices can help you become more self-aware and manage your time better.?

Utilise your passion?- Undoubtedly, if you engage in work you enjoy, you are happier and more content. Remember?why?you work in a particular field and focus on the part of the job that engages you. Finding meaning in your work will make you more productive, achieving more in less time.?

Avoid overwhelm -?What if you still face setbacks despite your best efforts? This is inevitable. But how you deal with them makes a huge difference in their impact. By remaining positive and hopeful, you can harmoniously navigate setbacks so they don’t take over, forcing your work-life balance out of kilter. Try to find one thing, even if it’s small when facing adversity. And remember some things are out of your control, so trying to control them is futile.?

Approaching work and life as something that can be blended together makes for happier work and home life. Josh Cote advocates working smarter and can provide help and guidance to create a happy and thriving business.?