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It’s a little known fact that the average person spends over 100,000 hours of their lives pursuing a career.  This career then starts to shape who they are, which is little wonder when you consider many people automatically introduce themselves by their job title, rather than their name. This is why achieving a work life balance is so crucial.

Historically, work has always been about earning money to live, but for a growing number of professionals the recession has focused people more on income survival, and personal and professional identities are becoming blurred.

The problem with working for longer is that the risks are so much greater if people become ill, suffer personal injury such as stress or depression, and are unable to sustain this level of work.  The average Australian has very little savings and families can be under serious threat if illness reduces their normal income.

Australians are spending more time than ever working, and the promise of a perfect work life balance appears to have all but gone out of the window.  But why?  And is there anything we can stop doing in order to achieve the perfect work life balance?

1. Stop comparing yourself to others

There are no rules – balance is a very individual thing and everyone should find their own equilibrium. Stop telling yourself ‘I should be able to…’ or ‘he/she can do it, so I should be able to’ Pay attention to your own needs and wellbeing and listen to your intuition.

2. Stop being a martyr

If the phrases ‘I’ve got so much to do’ or ‘I have to do everything round here’ sound familiar, and it’s making you feel resentful whilst at the same time you’re hogging all the work, then you might have fallen into the trap of being a martyr and you must stop. Let other people take some of the strain from you and learn to trust that others will be able complete tasks to a good standard (even if it’s not the way you would have done it)

3. Stop saying yes

This doesn’t mean saying yes all the time, or refusing to work within your job description, this is about all the extra work and responsibilities you’re taking home with you.  If you are someone who tends to say ‘yes’ to everything there are a couple of good techniques to help you deal with this:

  • If someone asks you to do something, avoid committing either way immediately.  Say you’ll get back to them in five minutes, and then use this time to think clearly about whether you can realistically take on this work
  • If you need to say no to someone, just say it.  Try to avoid making excuses or justifying why you can’t do it, just firmly and calmly say no.

 4. Get off the grid

In todays digital world, it is so easy to spend 9-5 glued to a computer or laptop at work and then from 6-10 glued to your tablet or smartphone at home. Try to take yourself off the grid at least one evening each week and do something completely different instead. Read a book, take a long bath, play with your children or simply sit in the garden with a glass of wine.

 5. Stop looking for perfection

Start celebrating what does get done, even if it’s only part of what you planned. It’s better than nothing and over time creates a good foundation of well-being and order we all crave.

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  • I liked this article because it makes me feel better . It is a one I can relate to .

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  • i think that there is a great tip right there, stop saying yes!

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  • Great article and advice here, I am guilty of a few and know I need to change my way.

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  • Oh i can so agree to these things – I know they say if you want something done give it to a busy person but they are usually so busy that they really shouldn’t be taking on more. I guess too it’s a live and learn situation. We are females we multi-task that’s our job LOL

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  • This is great, think I need to read this every day!

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  • good tips but not easy to implement

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  • love the last point most. great read for all mums. thanks

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  • Guilty of being on the tablet at all hours!

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  • ohhhhh I do love the get off the grid, a bit of time with no tech would be great

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  • It can be hard to get a balance between work and family.

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  • I love these 5 tips, great information

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  • so important to unplug ourselves!

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  • Enjoyed reading this, thanks for sharing

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  • Wonderful advice, a very motivational article.

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  • A great read – thanks for sharing

    Reply

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