Looking for that elusive thing called work/life balance? Who isn’t, right? We all wish we had more time to workout, play with our kids, pursue our career dreams, have fun with friends, keep our house clean – oh! And sleep! And if you’re going to achieve that fabulous vision you have for yourself, how are you going to make it all happen?
Well, if you haven’t already heard the news, I’m here to tell you. Work/life balance? There’s no such thing. Giving 100% to everything all the time and finding that perfect balance aint gonna happen. Instead, drop the pursuit of work/life balance, and pursue these three strategies instead:
1) Prioritize:
Instead of trying to pursue everything with 100% effort and perfection, figure out what’s most important to you and focus on those activities. For those activities that don’t land at the top of the list, know that less than 100% of your effort is a-ok.
Maybe letting your laundry pile up this weekend is okay so you can take a new class. Maybe leaving work at 3 p.m. is okay so you can see your son’s soccer game. Maybe skipping out on cocktails with friends is okay so you can go home and have some much-needed alone time.
Knowing what you value most and giving yourself permission to focus on those and ease up on the rest can help you lessen your stress and achieve real balance.
2) Be in the present moment with whatever you’re doing:
Studies show multitasking isn’t the best approach for success (reference links below). You’ll be much more effective with an activity if you’re fully present in the moment and focused on it. Think about it. If you’re spending time with your kids and just focused on being with them in that moment, that’s a much more fulfilling experience for everyone than if you’re trying to get work done at the same time. And you’ll be more successful writing your report for work if you’re focused only on that.
By living in the present moment, you’re also likely to feel more energized and fulfilled with whatever you’re doing. It may take practice, but give it a try and evaluate if you’re less stressed and more fulfilled with your activities if your attention is on the present moment.
3) Let go of the guilt:
This can be the hardest part – especially for some working moms I know. Acknowledge that what you’re accomplishing is enough – really more than that. How about great and amazing?! Beating yourself up for not doing more and not being perfect is not helpful to anyone in any way. Instead, give yourself credit for all that you do! You’ll feel better if your effort of 80% here and 100% there is an outcome of a proactive decision rather than an outcome of indecision.
In summary, focus on what you value. Put what you value at the top of your list of priorities. Be in the present moment with them, and know you’re doing your best and that’s beyond good enough.
Which of these three strategies resonates the most for you and why? Please share in the comments section below. Thanks!
A few articles about multitasking:
http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/costs-of-multitasking.htm
http://business.time.com/2013/04/17/dont-multitask-your-brain-will-thank-you/
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