.png)
For busy professionals and business owners, the pressure is on at the beginning of the year. In the midst of wrapping up last year’s projects, you’ve got to get the ball rolling for 2017, starting new projects, meeting with potential clients, and making sure you’re still able to satisfy your most loyal customers. It can be overwhelming, and after the holiday break, it can be easy to throw yourself into your work, leaving your home life in the dust.
I’m here to tell you to resist that urge. Instead, use the beginning of the year to put in place a plan for 2017 that will allow you to balance work and life and keep you motivated and happy in the process. Here are a few suggestions:
Make an Action Plan
In order to maintain work-life balance throughout the year you need to have an action plan. The key is making priorities and sticking to your action plan on a daily basis in order to accomplish everything at work and at home. Start by prioritizing your goals for the year (these priorities will likely change as things get going, and that’s ok!) and putting other tasks and to-dos on the back burner. Then, list your must-do goals by steps and put them into a calendar or task management system. It’s easier if you put your deadlines in first and then list individual steps by day so you can road map your plan and ensure you don’t skip a vital step.
If other things come up at work or home that you didn’t account for in your plan, go back to your prioritized goals and see if they align with them. If they do, consider delegating the tasks or spending minimal time on them to keep your eye on the truly important tasks and projects.
Be Honest with Yourself
It can be incredibly difficult for busy professionals and business owners to be honest with themselves about what they can accomplish because they’re so driven. However, you need to make sure that your goals and plans are realistic. Unrealistic goals lead to sleepless nights, and you’ll definitely need plenty of rest to better your career or business in 2017. You need to realize what you can and cannot accomplish and set limits so you don’t run yourself ragged. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy the year’s successes as they’re achieved.
You also need to be diligent about staying on task and making every effort to accomplish your goals while you’re at work so that your time outside work can be treasured as well. Don’t fall into the trap of making excuses and letting work time bleed into your family time. Remember, you have set your goals and made your action plan, and you must hold yourself accountable for following it.
Finally, you need to be honest about when it is okay to say no. Saying no means one thing at work and one thing at home. You should say no to work items that are not part of your prioritized goals or that will not benefit you or your business. At home, you need to say no to working during your time off and failing to be present when you should be spending quality time with friends and family.
Leave Work at the Office
When your work days are over, leave work at the office. Too much work and stress is detrimental to your health and will hold you back from achieving your goals, so protecting your personal time is essential. Eat dinner each night with your family. Get a gym membership or workout out at home. Read and keep a journal. These are all great activities that will enrich your time away from the office in ways that will ultimately benefit your career or business. And your loved ones and mental and physical health will thank you for prioritizing your home life during post-work hours.
You may not accomplish all of your business or personal goals this year, but striking a balance between them is important both for your career and your personal life. The new year a great time to take steps toward balancing work and life.
Image via Pixabay by bohed
Juliemorris.org
4023 Kennett Pike
Wilmington, DE 19807
