The term itself implies that work and life are exclusive of one another and suggest we put our ‘life’ on hold until we leave the work place.
Two thoughts immediately arise for me. Firstly, to get the most out of lives and our chosen career we should enjoy work, we should be getting a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment from our work. When was the last time you stopped and thought what it is you get out of going to work? If we aren’t aware of the benefits to us of working, then it is very easy to think…why bother? Why not stay at home with the children and not do the daily juggle? Every so often we need to reassess our priorities, reassess the situation, ask ourselves what is working and what isn’t, so we continue to ensure our work and our life is providing us with what we want. This is particularly important for working parents, as the children’s needs and those of your own can rapidly change over a relatively short period of time.
Secondly, if work and life are exclusive then where does that leave the working mum/dad who is not only ‘working’ part time but also ‘working’ full time as a parent. It is easy to get into a place where we are running around like a headless chicken, trying to keep all the plates spinning. Juggling your profession and being a mum/dad, and yet not really enjoying it, going through the motions but not really being present and in the moment. Again, we need to stop, take a step back and ask ourselves what we want to achieve and why we do what we do, what’s the purpose of our actions? This is being mindful and ever present.
If you would like to take control of your life and career, my online personal development programme MyLifeStrategy can help you to overcome the personal and professional challenges you face on a daily basis and learn practical skills and techniques to make a real difference to you and your life.
I’ve developed the Get Your Life Back module to support you in identifying what’s important to you in your life, helping you can clarify what you want and showing you how to focus on the important things in life so you feel more in control and get what you need from the time that you have.
However, if you are looking for one to one support and encouragement to find a work-life balance that works for you, then sign up to my 3 month coaching program that will put you back in control of your own life and get out of it everything you want. Contact me at [email protected]
