You may be feeling a stronger tug–especially this time of year.
If so, you’re not alone.
For many executives, family vacation is calling. But the call of work is competing.
As one executive said, “When I’m at home, I’m thinking about work. When I’m at work, I think about what I should be doing at home.”
The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) conducted a study of American Work Life Balance.
Some interesting findings include:
- Among the 89 percent of Americans who say Work- Life Balance is a problem, 54 percent called it a “significant” problem.
- 51 percent of workers say their Work-Life Balance has not changed because of the recession.
Other surveys show that most executives believe that connection to the Internet and smart phones has decreased their leisure time.
Few executives take full advantage of paid time off each year.
Despite all the advice about balancing work and personal life, the reality is that no one approach works for everyone. In fact, some people don’t mind being off balance.
If you’re feeling the stress of “not getting everything done,” it’s time to adjust your thinking.
When it comes to challenges with work-life balance, executives are quick to express their struggles. If you’re like them, here are some causes and what you can do about them:
Unclear focus. “I must have a ‘time management’ problem.”
The problem isn’t time management. It’s a clarity issue. You may have lost sight of your top priorities. Get clear. Ask yourself:
“What’s most important now?”
“If I had to focus on one area now, what would it be?”
Unrealistic expectations. “I’ll just take a little work with me on the road. ”
That back problem could mean you’re overdoing it. Even if you’re not taking tangible work with you, you might be carrying too much work weight in your head.
Be more realistic about what you can and will take on when you’re away.
Unwillingness to let go. “If I don’t handle this, it won’t get done.”
Really? Who said? Have you tried to delegate? What can you do to give up at least a small piece of the load you’re carrying? You might be surprised at what can get done.
Let it go.
Unforgiving attitude. “I feel so guilty.”
It’s tough when you feel guilty for having fun while away from the office and you feel guilty for neglecting work when you’re with family or loved ones. Give yourself permission to be in the moment. Accept the ebb and flow.
Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Often the most driven (and exhausted) executives can’t forgive others who don’t share the same “work ethic.” Are you one of those?
Forget balance.
The reality is that personal life and work often blend more than balance. Striving for perfect balance can actually create more stress.
The key is being able to maximize the positive elements in both–and minimize the elements that are not rewarding and fulfilling to you.
Resist pressure to compartmentalize different areas of your life.
They’re interconnected. Work is a part of life.
How’s your work-life balance? I’ve often thought the better question to ask is:
“How’s your peace of mind?”
Stop judging what you do (or how you categorize it) and simply do what you need to do to have peace of mind.
You’ll make the most of your work and life.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE