Is there such a concept as work/life balance? The idea of achieving work/life balance is idealistic and a concept often promoted by organisations aspiring to be ‘employers of choice’ to attract top talent. It is also an unrealistic aspiration for ambitious yet overworked professionals who want to have it all – a fulfilled life with a successful career, happy family, beautiful home and play time.

The idea of balance suggests equilibrium, weighing scales of equal measure of work versus life and living. I don’t believe such a balance exists after all it is all about life and living. I reflect on my career and the trade-offs such as forfeiting quality time with family and friends and one’s self.

Someone mentioned to me recently that you don’t hear people talking about finding a “family/life balance” or an “eating/life balance.” I do however see the scales shifting as our priorities change in life. When we are younger and ambitious building our homes and establishing a life of instant gratification we are more likely to dedicate our time to work as it financially supports our dreams. Later in life, we appreciate and value other aspects of life realising that there is more to life than the work place. Few of us are able to do what we love, earn a living and live life fully.

If we reflect on ‘who am I?’ a core part of our identity is what work we do, the title we have and the benefits we receive. The brand of car we may drive, the frequency of international travel and so on all pampers our ego and we get trapped on the never ending treadmill. Add mobile technology to our career-driven lives and we find ourselves available 24/7 with work taking over our personal lives at the expense of relationships, health and overall happiness. It may sound dedicated and noble to focus on work 24/7 however this is not sustainable nor a realistic lifestyle.
A few simple ways to create a more balanced life

Here’s a few simple ways to begin creating a more balanced life — one where you have time for personal priorities such as relationships, hobbies and health issues.

1. Define your “critical path” priorities

Can you identify your five most important personal goals and values? What are your most important priorities? These priorities are part of your personal “critical path” and if you don’t define them now and give them the necessary attention then they become diluted or lost in the bigger scheme of things. Some company’s hold annual meetings for their executive team to discuss their “critical path” for the coming year- setting goals and objectives cascaded to business units. We can all benefit from this process both in our professional and personal lives.

2. Explore your passions

What are your passions outside the realm of work? What interests or hobbies outside work do you pursue? If we don’t spend time doing things we are passionate about we run the risk of becoming resentful and live with huge regrets later in life. Leave our passions until we retire means living for tomorrow and losing out on today. Our creativity atrophies and our fulfilled way of being diminished.

3. Set aside 20-30 min for yourself daily

Do you give yourself the gift of 20 or 30 min daily – to recharge and reflect? For many people the most defining moment is first thing in the morning whereas for others its bed time or in the bath/ shower. Take time to reflect on what is important for you, perhaps prepare for a difficult conversation, perhaps give gratitude for something that’s gone well. Before being distracted by TV or your mobile – stop, pause and reflect. By meditating, exercising, journaling, or doing something reflective for those 20 or 30 minutes instead of opening the information floodgates allow yourself to recharge and refocus on your priorities – this is crucial to achieving balance and fulfillment.

4. Nurture your relationships

Do you take time for those who are important to you? To tell them that you care? Maintaining relationships, networking and building your community of support takes time but is so necessary for a balanced and fulfilled life. Jobs and bosses come and go whereas friends are there through difficult and happy times. Don’t lose your identity or allow work to define yourself worth. Remind yourself of what is important to you – your priorities and focus on these to improve you health and happiness, your life as a whole.