A useful exercise to start this skill off with is to write down your answers to these questions:

 

• For me, what is work-life balance?

• What would it take to have my version of work-life balance?

• Am I willing to make those changes now or at some time in the future?

 

Many of my client’s responses to these questions changed post-pandemic, from which there has been a significant lasting shift in workplaces allowing for hybrid work. Many more people are experiencing their version of work-life balance in response to having greater control over the hours they work, where they work, having less stress from commuting, and having more time available for family and even themselves. People who are fundamentally happy with their jobs are equally if not more productive working from home. Some of the reasons are associated with efficiency, flexibility, less distraction and greater concentration, and so on.

 

I learned this any many other insights from Michael Singer’s work for which I am immensely 1 grateful.

 

Another distinction associated with this skill involves a hard self-appraisal. Do you enjoy being an employee or do you dream about being an entrepreneur (IC/consultant/Startup Founder, etc.)? I have found that many people who are employees have “sidehustles” which are hobbies (passions) that bring in some revenue, or none, but reflect what they dream about doing full-time. These people tend to struggle with work-life balance for a different reason. The trends include not being satisfied/fulfilled at work, having a need to work several hours a week on the thing they are passionate about, and then not having enough time for other responsibilities or interests. It is outside the scope of this skill and book to go further on this point, but if it strikes a chord with you I encourage you to pursue feedback from family, friends, a trusted colleague, or coach to receive better clarity.

 

The Exercise:

In response to your questions, I encourage you to fill in some of the gaps you have detected. For many clients this has included the following: committing to an exercise schedule that can be realistically adhered to, increasing family time, scheduling time with a partner for shared goal-setting discussions, going on a retreat, or ending a parttime job and opening up time. Whatever you choose to do to improve your work-life balance I encourage you to write down specific objectives and deadlines, and put them on your calendar. You can think of it as “appointment time for me,” and be sure not to miss it or cancel.