Maintain the Juggling Act

In a recent survey of 1,361 managers, it was found that more than 30% of managers work more than 40 hours a week, almost 40% work more than 50 hours a week and 66% report feeling under pressure constantly. *

Each week in the paper we find articles written about work/life balance, yet many people are still confused about what work/life balance really means to them.

If you ‘live to work’ let’s provide you with some ideas on how to break the cycle and get you enjoying your full life experience.

What you need to be aware of is that life balance is as individual as you are; it means something different to each of us!

If the “balance thing” doesn’t excite you – why not look at it from a different angle, that of gaining self-support and control over what you have promised yourself and others.

Before uncovering the ‘6 strategies to a balanced life’ ask you these simple questions:

· How would I define balance?
· Is balance an important part of my life?
· Do I really need to have work/life balance?
· Am I prepared and willing to commit to change?
· Do I want to take back control of my life or continue to be a victim of circumstances?
· Is it okay for me to be working 50+ hours a week and spend minimal time in the other areas of my life?

This question is the toughest of all to answer honestly. Yes, you can continue to work these hours as long as it is your choice to do so and you are aware of the impact or consequences this may have in the other areas of your life.

If you are de-motivated, guilty or have some other negative trigger – then you need to be prepared to find a way of regaining control of your situation and making the necessary changes to eliminate these negative feelings.
Let’s share with you 6 strategies to achieving a better balance in your life.

The 6 key strategies in developing a balanced life:

1. Understand and live to your values.
What is important to you? What do you get most excited about? For example; if spending quality time with your family is something that you value but you are spending 10 – 12 hour days in the office and also ‘catching up’ with work on the weekends – you may need make some changes to rebalance the situation. Therefore clearly establish your lifestyle value chain.

2. Remember to put yourself first in the needs chain.
Write down all of the roles you play in your life (manager, parent, volunteer, friend, partner, driver, self etc) beginning with the most important thing. Once you have finished the list – look at where you have placed Your Own Time. Is it at the top of your list? If not, then challenge yourself to put YOU at the top of the list. How can you do well at all the other roles if you don’t take good care of yourself?

3. Put strong boundaries in place.
Know what your boundaries are and stick to them. If we go back to point 1 – a boundary that you may put in place is that you leave work at 6pm, 3 times a week and on weekends only ‘catch up’ for 2 solid hours.

4. Create a ‘fun’ outlet for yourself.
Whether it is catching up with friends and family, going for a walk/run or to the movies – ensure that you have some ‘fun’ during your week or even your day!

5. Develop a strong support network around you
Who are those people in your life who will support you as you begin to put points 1-3 into place?

And finally

6. Get yourself a coach.

Don’t wait. Put these strategies into place now and begin to enjoy the benefits of a more balanced and embracing lifestyle that recognizes you as a vibrant and unique individual; in and out of the office.

*University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology,