Do you work to pay the bills? The truth is, many people do. However, a select group of innovative thinkers has cracked the code – combining their professional strengths with their personal passions.
Maintaining work-life balance is difficult -- but possible. And, when you are able to find a real work-life balance, you can achieve anything. Making it possible to one day being paid well to do what you love and enjoy. To Live. Love. Do. ® Here are seven (7) ways to get started in achieving a balanced foundation to a happy and successful life:
1. Fitness 40: Whether you’re into doing yoga, running, or time at the gym, COVID-19 is no reason to do less physical activity. In fact, if you want to drop your COVID 15 (i.e., pounds that you gained spending so much time at home), schedule just forty minutes of physical fitness into your day like you would a business meeting or doctor’s appointment.
2. Do’s & Don’ts for your work-life career plan: Even if you have no interest or plan to leave your current job, take a few hours to outline your top three (3) non-negotiables: (3) must have’s and (3) don’ts such as (wanting to work in a new department or refusing to take on a 3 and ½ hour daily round-trip commute). Simply having this plan and thinking through key “work-life requirements” will empower you to develop a clear 6 month and 1–3-year plan to help you reach your goals.
3. Constantly creating new things to look forward to: Simply knowing that you are doing something or meeting someone new can greatly improve your mental state and mood. Whether it’s an informational interview, registering for a class, or hiring someone to whip up a new resume - anticipation is a powerful, positive force. Look forward to even little things - doing so can change your whole outlook on life.
4. Surround yourself with visual goals: Perhaps you want to work in another state or hope to find the extra cash to decorate your new virtual home office. Find and surround yourself with pictures, words, and images to help you stay inspired, interested, and focused on your life and your career goals.
5. Network with coworkers or others in your field outside of the office: Even taking a walk around the block with a colleague can help you tap into your social need to bring more fun to your 9-to-5.
6. Take a Friday or half-day off: Many people can’t take a two-week vacation, but everyone can take one afternoon or half-day off. Remember, to be effective, you must have a physical break from your mental grind. A 4-day weekend can do wonders for your spirit.
7. Take a mental health day: If your employer pays you for a certain number of sick days, take them. Take at least one day every couple of months to decompress and give yourself a mental break from your routine. Call out by saying you are under the weather and plan a great at home day! Even if you feel physically “ok,” everyone can use at least one mental health day a month. Take time and space away to clear your mind.
This week find one new way to create a way to do what you enjoy and take the break you need and deserve.