Balance is a goal that seems to remain just out of reach unless you make it a priority. Early on in my career, I worked tirelessly without re-energizing myself. I felt that it was what I was 'suppose' to do. I let guilt drive many of those early decisions.
As I grew older (and I'd like to think wiser)- I began to see the whole picture more clearly. Balance is something that we control, and usually it either works smoothly or not based on our own strengths or weaknesses in managing our workload. I find several things to be true:
- The better you are at being efficient and productive, the easier it is.
- If you can learn to evaluate tasks like a CEO evaluates his schedule- you can better manage your time. You can only do so much. Figure out the best use of your time.
- Plan your personal time and family vacations with as much vigor and effort as you plan your work meetings.
- You only achieve what you set out and plan to achieve. So- plan to achieve what you want to do in personal life. Make goals. Create a vision and plan for your life.
- Let go of the guilt. It is not a helpful emotion. You will not benefit yourself or your loved ones by exercising this emotion.
Last of all, work/life balance is a journey. Work towards the goal and continue to try to attain it. It is never something that you completely 'arrive'' at. Keep driving towards it.
