How do some people seem to maintain the elusive ‘work-life balance’ that many of us are searching for? Ms Loo Mei Yee, a Professional Certified Coach (International Coach Federation) and the General Manager of Executive Coach International, shares her insights.
1. Know what is important
The key areas which make up a fulfilling life include:
-health
-financial stability
-emotional fulfilment
-skills development
-leaving a legacy
Striving to attain balance in these key areas gives you a sense of self and purpose in life.
2. Health and wealth: Have the right perspective
Most people gauge success by the amount of money they have. They trade their time and health to get it, only to find themselves using the dollars they have earned to pay for treatments for the heath issues they run into due to overwork.
2.1 Ask yourself: Why do you want more money?
If you really want a balanced life that includes financial stability, then know your reasons for attaining it. It can be as simple as being able to have more time control so that you can spend more quality time with your loved ones. After that, work on managing your finances to grow your wealth.
The same applies to health.
2.2 Understand the importance of delayed gratification.
If you find yourself having a constant battle with gaining and losing weight, then perhaps you should look beyond quick-fix solutions.
A strong, healthy body is a result of long-term planning, routine exercise and being disciplined over what you eat. You cannot expect to lose weight overnight.
3. Time management: Get your priorities right
We are all given the same 24 hours each day.
3.1 There is no such thing as not enough time, but rather, a person who has failed to prioritise.
If you have a career and still find yourself out of sync internally, then you need to find out which area of life you have overlooked. This doesn’t just apply to work but in other areas of life as well.
Spend time cultivating your relationships. When you promise your loved ones something, ensure that you do it! The people you love will be your greatest blessing when you grow older.
3.2 Focus your time and effort in any two areas of your life at any one time.
Although having a balanced life can seem like a simultaneous fulfilment of all areas, each person is still limited by the time and resources s/he has. Don’t overstretch yourself — you might end up being unable to fulfill any of them.
3.3 Set long-term goals and proceed to work out short-term plans.
Living the balanced life means having the discipline and patience to strike off your goals, one at a time.
Take care of yourself. Take time off to engaging in interests that you have shelved for awhile or do simple activities that recharge your batteries, to remind you of the reasons you are working hard.
4. Be proactive and adaptable
Make things happen. Avoid being passive, be it at work or home. Improve things instead of waiting for things to happen. If you are limited by resources and the environment you are in, talk to your boss or look out for better opportunities.
4.1 Striving for balance requires you to take the lead. Only you alone can juggle your commitments effectively.
If you have needs or wants that are being overlooked, speak up. You cannot expect people to know what you are thinking or constantly check in on you.
5. Learn to deal with change
In this day and age, change has become a part of life. Any balance we have achieved can easily be tipped over if we do not learn how to cope with change.
5.1 Always strive to learn and invest in yourself.
Maintaining balance is a continuous process of self-improvement and keeping up with the demands of life. When you recognize areas of improvement, do it immediately. Complacency and procrastination will rob you of a happy and rewarding life.
Now that you have a better understanding of the key principles behind attaining ‘work-life balance’, learn how to effectively apply them in The Courage to Create Program™.
“The Courage to Create & Making Courage Work is the predecessor of
TruSelf Creation Course”
Mei Yee is the General Manager of Executive Coach International, the largest coaching organization in Southeast Asia. She is a Professionally Certified Coach (ICF) and has touched the lives of over 700 people since 2008, helping them to achieve their goals over and over again. During her leisure time, she loves a cup of good coffee with a nice read or to have a walk in nature.