How to tip the scales when your life is out of balance

Everyone and their aunty has heard the phrase Work/Life balance. It’s chucked around work spaces and board rooms like a new toy, lambasted in coffees shops and waiting areas as the eternal false hope and is the subject of most late night conversations between parents and business owners.?

But does it really exist? Is it really possible?

I say it is. But something has to change.

Whether you’re the sort of person who is dedicated to your work or you love helping family more than helping yourself, chances are, you spend more time getting cornered by your obligations than you would like to.

I have the same challenge.

I love my work. It’s fulfilling, it gives me purpose and it pays the bills. It would be very easy to give all of my time to what I love to do.

I love my family. I have a wonderful partner and 4 brilliant children who revel in my attention and give me the love and energy I need to be me.

I love myself. Everyday my intention is to be the best version of myself because it’s where I find happiness, serenity, meaning and purpose.

How on earth am I supposed to choose between myself, my relationships, and my work?

Let me see if I can break it down for you (and me) so that this mythical work life balance can actually become a reality!

In business there’s a maxim that states when you know the details you can manage the problem. Peter Drucker put it succinctly in his quote “What gets measured gets improved.”

So how much do you actually know about your work/life balance?

Are you clear about exactly what creates the imbalance?

Could you tell me how much time you’re spending at work, with your friends and family and doing what you love to do for you?

Or are you simply walking into the same dead end every day and asking yourself, how did I get here?

If you know exactly what’s causing the issue, you can work on the solution.

If you don’t know exactly? what’s causing the issue, read on.

Below are 5 simple practices that you can do in 5 minutes to evaluate the balance in your life. By answering the questions to each of the practices you’ll be able to identify exactly where the imbalance in your life actually is.

Just like in business, understanding the problem is step one. Creating the solution to the challenge comes next.?

It’s what I do with my clients every day. Identify the real problem, understand the ideal outcome, uncover the steps and support needed to get there and create meaningful goals that you can be accountable for.

It’s a life changing process.

My suggestion is to create a quiet space without distraction to review the questions below. Take the time to write them out along with your answers. The process of putting pen to paper aids learning, memory and connection to your subconscious mind. Which is how you get to the real detail and find your solution.?

When you’ve completed the process, pick one area you really need to work on and make that your priority for the next 5 days. You’ll be amazed by what happens next.?

When you understand what tips the seesaw, creating balance is a walk in the park.

Prioritize your time: Identify what’s most important to you and allocate time accordingly.

• What are your top three priorities in life?
• How much time are you currently dedicating to each of those priorities?
• Are there any areas where you can cut back to make more time for your top priorities?

Create a schedule: Develop a schedule that accommodates your work, family, and personal responsibilities.

• What are your weekly obligations (e.g., work hours, children’s activities, household chores, personal hobbies)?
• When are you most productive during the day?
• How could you structure your day to balance your obligations and your own needs?

Learn to say “no”: It’s important to know your limits and set boundaries.

• What are some obligations or requests that you find difficult to say “no” to?
• What happens when you take on too much?
• How could you communicate your boundaries with others in a respectful way?

Take care of yourself: Self-care is crucial to maintaining balance in your life.

• What are some self-care practices that you enjoy?
• How often do you engage in these practices?
• How could you prioritize self-care into your daily routine?

Re-evaluate regularly: It’s important to regularly reassess your priorities and schedule to ensure that you’re staying on track.

• When was the last time you reassessed your priorities and schedule?
• What changes have occurred in your life since then?
• Are there any areas where you need to make adjustments?

By answering these questions, committing to change and reviewing your progress, you will have taken responsibility for your work/life balance.?

“For things to change, you have to change. For things to get better, you have to get better. For things to improve, you have to improve. Everything in your life grows with you.” – Jim Rohn

To get more on creating balance connect with me on socials or at nedshakir.com where you’ll find more inspiration to live, learn and grow.

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