So how do you achieve work life balance?
In this video, Dr. Ryan Corte shares 12 tips to achieve a realistic work life balance as well as why doing so in today’s world is so important.
Is work life balance a lie or myth?
No. Achieving a strong work life balance is not a lie or myth - it's real!
In today's crazy busy world, most of us feel like we’re running a rat race right to the end. That's why it's so important to find ways to best achieve an optimal work life balance.
Honestly, the process to do so is not easy. It takes a lot of work and focus. However, achieving a balanced life is something that’s attainable and worth it!
Why is work life balance important?
Do you live to work or do you work to live? For most of us it's the latter. We work so we can support our family and have a strong personal life. However, many of us want to thrive professionally too.
Work life balance is a constant cycle that will never be perfect but is maintainable when the right steps are taken.
Here are 12 tips to achieve a strong work life balance.
1) Set SMART goals
I recommend setting SMART goals for both your personal and professional life. This allows you to really focus in on what is important and strategize on how you are going to tackle your goals.
2) Prioritize and plan ahead
What are your most important goals? What do you really need to accomplish?Get these things done right away.
When you’re looking at your day, week, or month, set time aside to accomplish these tasks ASAP. Anything else you achieve on top of this is an added bonus
3) Learn to say no
It's not easy to say no but when you do you free up time for saying yes to things that align with what you want to achieve and accomplish.
Stop adding more to your plate just to add more to your plate. Seriously - don't do it!
It's a rabbit hole that you don't want to go down because all of a sudden you're not achieving and accomplishing what you want to and it really doesn't help your work life balance.
4) Drop activities that drain your time or energy
We all have time intensive tasks we've always done that have a low return on our investment. So, why are we continuing to do them?
What activities could you get rid of that would free up time or energy in your life?
Maybe it’s binge watching Netflix instead of going to bed early. Or aimlessly scrolling through social media only to find you average a few hours a day doing so.
Cut these activities out of your life. You’ll be thankful you did.
5) Delegate mundane daily tasks
For those super busy people out there, especially my busy parents, delegate monotonous tasks (if possible).
Hire someone to clean your house. Drop off your dirty laundry to the cleaners. Hire a babysitter to give you a break from your little ones. Take turns with your spouse to cook and do the dishes.
Mundane tasks require a lot of time and energy yet still need to get done. Delegating them whenever possible is a great way to improve your work life balance.
6) Be active
Get out and go to the gym. Go for a walk. Join a local sports group. Invest in an at home workout system like Peloton.
However you do it, find a way to be active! It’s a great way to clear your head and re-energize from the stress of daily life.
7) Practice mindfulness
I'm a huge advocate of practicing mindfulness!
Pray, meditate, or take some alone time to just breathe and think and just be present.
There's a lot going on in this world. If you don't take the time to be present, you're going to miss out on so many wonderful things.
Plus, it's really going to help you get out of your own head and stay balanced.
8) Set appropriate boundaries
It's virtually impossible to maintain a strong work life balance if you don't set appropriate work boundaries.
Nobody should be able to reach you at certain times of the morning or night. Furthermore, set up certain times throughout the day where your colleagues know they can reach you.
It's impossible to get anything done and have a personal life if you don't set boundaries and learn to turn work off.
9) Take time for yourself
Speaking of boundaries, make sure you schedule “me time.”
This could be time for you to sit there and do something you enjoy. Or, maybe it's time for you to relax and get a massage, go for a walk, or do any else you actually want to do.
We all have a lot of demands placed on us. “Me time” is hard to achieve in life, especially with a family or young kids. That’s why it’s so important to schedule this time and stick to it.
10) Communicate your needs to those close to you
As you embark on the endless journey of maintaining a strong work life balance, communicate the importance of doing so to your family, friends, and colleagues.
At the end of the day, when people understand that part of your goal in life is to achieve a strong work life balance, they'll help support you in doing so.
11) Find an accountability buddy
Find somebody that helps you remain accountable for your goals and actions.
This can be somebody at work that hustles just as hard as you but also knows when you need to turn it off. It could also be your spouse who can tell you to take a break when they notice you’re showing symptoms of burnout.
At the end of the day, it's easy to lose focus and just remain entrenched in your work. That’s why it’s so important to find somebody to help you hold yourself accountable.
12) Do one thing you love every day
Life is a giant balancing act. That’s why it’s important to find joy in the little things.
Maybe it's having a cup of coffee on the front porch and watching the sunrise or going for a walk around the neighborhood.
Personally, I really enjoy making a phone call to a friend or a colleague and just checking in. I also love taking the time to read a book to my kids or watching a quick Instagram video that makes me laugh.
Do something you love every single day because life is too short not to enjoy it!
Final thoughts
Finding the appropriate work life balance can provide you with the time and energy to live your life to the fullest!
What steps are you taking to achieve a strong work life balance? Let me know in the comments below and stay tuned for my next video where we can reflect and grow stronger together.
If you liked this YouTube video, subscribe to my channel for more personal development and thought-provoking videos!