Work-life balance can be described as ‘the division of one’s time and focus between work, family or leisure activities.’
It sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Then why do so many people struggle to achieve this elusive balance?
When attempting to answer this question, I specifically thought of the so-called attorneys’ conundrum: work, sleep, family, friends, fitness – now pick three? Whilst the attorneys’ conundrum may ring true for many business women across the globe, the challenge is to tailor our lives to harmonise all of the above criteria without having to pick only three.
Design your life
When aiming to achieve work-life balance, the first step is to accept that work-life balance does not necessarily require a perfectly equal balance. As working women, we often feel overwhelmed by the burden of trying to fit the world’s idea of a woman – a mother, a daughter, a friend, a career woman and many other roles – at the same time. We all want to achieve success in all these roles but remember that life is fluid and work-life balance can, and will, vary over time. There is no single correct way of achieving this balance.
Guided by the minimum output you want to achieve on a daily or weekly basis, you can start to design your life. Start with the minimum number of hours needed to fulfil the sleep category. I personally find that I am more productive on days where I get a full seven hours of sleep. Use this as your benchmark.
Occasionally, you may find that you have additional time for leisure activities; invest this time in the family-and-friends category.
In striving towards career success, we often have to put more hours into the work category than originally planned. On these days, trade in dinner and drinks with friends for a 5 a.m. yoga session with a friend instead; that way you will be able to fulfil the friendship and fitness criteria simultaneously.
Set daily and weekly goals.
Achieving a weekly goal reminds us that we are progressing and creates a sense of personal achievement. You will find that the more you achieve, the more you will be able to contribute towards your goals and the more motivated you will feel.
Don’t wait to be congratulated for a job well done by your superiors. Reflect on your daily achievements and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
You cannot please everyone
Learn from your mistakes whilst doing what is best for your present and future self. Essentially, you can only do one thing at a time, so focus on being 100% committed to the task you are undertaking in that given moment.
Resist the urge to unnecessarily check your phone or emails during family time. This will allow you to focus 100% on your family when you are spending time with them while being 100% focused on work during your time in the office.
Remember: You can’t have it all until you decide that’s what you want.
Author: Paige Sharman, Candidate Attorney – Biccari Bollo Mariano Inc.