Work-life is the navigation of both aspects of living such that one is not sacrificed for the other. One does not thrive while the other is neglected. If one was to review the nature of work, especially here in Nigeria, there is a tendency to agree that it is impossible to find a balance between the two.
Healthy work-life balance tips.
Have set work hours – and stick to them
Set work hours for yourself and do everything in your power to stick to them. Otherwise, before you know it, you’ll be working until midnight every night.
Create time for your finances
Whether you are self employed or not, it’s important to feel confident about your finances. In order to do this, you need to get some accounting software in place and use it from day one.
Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses. You should start using accounting tools early on so you know what’s going on and be able to easily track your finances.
Keep relationships
Relationships suffer in the hands of high-achieving individuals because they can hardly discipline themselves enough to make proper relationship decisions. Phones are switched off, texts go without replies, dates are made and forgotten about – all are sacrificed in the name of hard work and success. While it’s only human to bury oneself in work and other things that pass for it, it is equally important to recognize the need for human relationships and interaction.
Leverage technology
Instead of driving to a meeting, use Skype or conferencing technologies like GoToMeeting. But remember to switch them off.
Take time to make time
Invest in time-tracking tools. There are plenty of tools you can use to track everything from the frequency and duration of meetings, to chasing and converting leads.
Time-tracking software allows you to quickly build an understanding of how long a particular task takes.
That way, you can effectively estimate how long your next work task will take.
Step out
Working for yourself can get lonely, so schedule some phone calls or coffee time with like-minded business owners to discuss ideas and offer each other support.
Be passionate about what you do.
For a fulfilling life, balance is key. It’s probably the only thing that makes anything else make sense.
Steve Jobs said: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
Take a break
Remember to take time out throughout your day.