Many of us desire the somewhat mythical phenomenon of a good balance between work and pleasure. We all know we need a good balance, but very few of us actually have one. Why? Because we are not proactive in getting one to start with. We sit and wait for the day we wake up to a perfectly balanced lifestyle but unfortunately, it doesn’t happen like that. To develop and maintain balance, you need to dive in at the deep end and start making changes today!
The International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring is the leading accreditation authority for professional coaches. Here, one of their accredited coaches, Jenny Butter, offers up 5 ways to improve your work-life balance.
1. Enjoy all life has to offer
Bronnie Ware, an Australian nurse who spent several years working in palliative care, said one of the common regrets among her patients was that they wished they had lived the life they wanted, not what was expected of them. To avoid this Jenny recommends making a list of the genuine expectations’ others have of you. Are they fair? It’s time to start making your own choices!
2. Become well
Wellness is the full integration of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Jenny suggests making a list of one thing you want to change in each area, for example: Physical – your weight. Emotional – end a bad relationship; Mental – time to listen to podcasts; Spiritual – time for reflection or prayer. It’s easy, you can just choose one and start today!
3. Become energised at work
When we are regularly tired, bored or stressed at work we lose confidence in our abilities. Jenny believes an effective way to combat this is to plan your working day so that you sandwich the tasks that drain you with those that energize you. Start and end the day with things you enjoy most.
4. Have better relationships
We need to think about what is most important when it comes to relationships. Is it quality or quantity time, or both? Jamie Oliver for example admits to being a weekend dad due to work commitments, but that’s fine with his family. When you know what you want, Jenny recommends putting it in a diary and making sure it happens!
5. Be happy
It’s hard to be happy when we are stuck in our old habits. Bronnie Ware said another regret by people at the end of their road was that they wished they had let themselves be happier. Jenny suggests booking sessions with an accredited coach if you’re struggling to break out of your comfort zone to seek happiness.
