Anyone who has ever been deeply committed to their job, knows that managing a successful career while having a healthy personal life is almost next to impossible. Professionals deal with the challenge of trying to find the perfect balance between family and work life on a daily basis. It can be very hard to juggle between getting ahead at work and helping the kids with their homework, meeting that deadline on a project or spending quality time with your spouse, or traveling for a business meeting and caring for elderly parents. For some, it’s a constant battle!
If you are a person who is faced with the constant struggle of being away from your family and the pressure of making difficult time management choices – it is time you did something about it. Don’t get overwhelmed by assuming that you need to make big changes to bring more balance to your life.
While trying to manage my own busy work schedule with my commitment to my family, I came across a few tips that may help others find the right balance between their work and personal lives:
1. Let Go of Guilt
Guilt is one of the greatest wastes of emotional energy. It causes you to become paralyzed in the present because you are still dwelling on the past. By introducing logic to help counter-balance the guilt and taking emotions out of the equation, you can avoid sabotaging your efforts toward work/family balance and stay better on course. Set goals for the future and work towards the future.
2. Establish Limits and Boundaries
Determine for yourself what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. While there are different priorities at home and at work, boundaries and limits define how you take charge of your time and space and get in touch with your feelings. They express the extent of your responsibilities and power and show others what you are willing to do or accept. Without limits it’s difficult to say “NO“. Remind yourself often that your boundaries are necessary for balancing work and family.
3. Create Time for Yourself
Being a good parent, partner and professional means being good to yourself first. Find ways to relax, relieve tension and minimize stress. Taking some time off for yourself will not only benefit you, but it will benefit your work and family tremendously, as well!
4. Get Organized & Set Your Own Standards
Set priorities, work smarter not harder, delegate (and really let go!). Keep a main calendar to stay on track with your work and personal activities, this will help you figure out where the best places to make the compromises are without short-changing yourself, your spouse, your children, your boss, etc. Stop trying to be a perfectionist.
5. Be Flexible
Forgive yourself when things don’t get done. Never get too comfortable, because as soon as you seem to get things under control, they change! Also, realize that in order to achieve success many people have had to give up their original goals and substitute new ones with different but equal challenges.
(If that wasn’t enough, click through to read the many more tips offered!)
What I now know is – there is no set formula for achieving the perfect balance, but with constant effort, commitment, and a little bit of sacrifice things can improve. It is up to you to take responsibility, prioritize and set boundaries!
– Anushey Matri
This writer is the Marketing Manager at Engage Consutling
Great tips! i am a single mother of a new born, i know the feeling…..can be very difficult…..! finding a balance is key.
i don’t think its that difficult as it is perceived,,,its all about planning, prioritizing, & time mgmt skills, with of course supportive people around.
Great article with some very good suggestions. You hit the nail on the head…most of us do not set limits, do not say no and cannot get rid of the guilt!
excellent work
VERY NICE ARTICLE . WE ALL PROFESSIONAL STRUGGLE FOR THIS AS BOTH FAMILY AND JOB DEMAND FROM US
good suggestions, particularly for those readers who do not practice becasue of monotonous work routine …
Great read. Wonderful insight and very well articulated. I’ve seldom enjoyed myself more.
Beautiful blog
In this digital age, professionals have the ability to balance their personal and professional lives. I recently worked with a woman how has 3 young sons with sports games, music lessons and cub scouts. She would work prior to the end of school day and again in the evening after dinner and homework. It can be done if you love the job.