Redefine Balance
A new approach for high achieving women
Honestly, I think balance in today’s world isn’t possible. It took me a few years to accept this and find ways to embrace the flexibility I desired when I stepped into entrepreneurship.
Below are 4 simple things I do consistently to redefine balance and create a more fulfilling life.
Chasing the ideal of balance often feels like an endless quest, especially when we try to fit everything into our days. The demands are many: self-care, fitness, work, caring for our families, maintaining relationships with our partners, keeping in touch with family, and finding time for friends. The reality starkly reminds us that with work consuming the majority of our week, true balance seems just out of reach.
In my experience, adhering to the traditional 40-hour workweek doesn't quite fit life anymore. In my business, we've shifted our approach, allowing team members to work between 24–30 hours a week. This adjustment acknowledges that balance isn't universal; it's deeply personal and looks different for everyone.
PLANNING
Effective planning goes beyond simply organizing your week. It involves strategic thinking about your priorities and goals. Consider using time blocking to allocate specific hours for work, family, and self-care, ensuring each area of your life receives dedicated attention.
Tools like your calendar or digital planner apps can help visualize your week, making adjustments easier as things change. Remember, planning is not just about filling every hour but about creating flexibility to respond to the unexpected.
FOCUS
Maximizing focus in an era of constant interruptions requires deliberate strategies. Beyond using device features to minimize distractions, consider creating a dedicated workspace that signals to your brain it's time to concentrate.
Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where work is broken down into intervals with short breaks, can enhance focus and prevent burnout. Also, using the iPhone focus feature will block out distractions.
Also, could you communicate your focus times to family and colleagues to make sure they respect your need for uninterrupted periods?
TASK MANAGEMENT
Because let’s face it - we are women who will also have something to manage.
Task management is more than a to-do list; it's about prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
Integrating task management software that syncs across all devices ensures that your list is always up to date.
Additionally, set aside time each week to review upcoming tasks and adjust plans as necessary, allowing for a proactive rather than reactive approach to your workload. I do this on Sunday evenings at 7 pm.
BOUNDARIES
Establishing clear boundaries is crucial, especially when working from home.
Communicate your working hours to your family and set up signals (like a closed door) to indicate you should not be disturbed. It's also helpful to establish boundaries with yourself by defining work hours and sticking to them, resisting the urge to check emails or work outside of these times. Boundaries also extend to digital habits; consider having 'digital detox' periods during the evening or on weekends to disconnect and recharge fully.
In redefining balance, embracing flexibility and mindfulness about allocating our time and energy is crucial. Balance is a dynamic state, not a fixed target. It requires ongoing adjustments as our personal and professional lives evolve.
We can create a more fulfilling life by adopting a holistic approach to planning, focus, task management, and setting boundaries. Remember, it's not about perfection but progress.
We struggle to celebrate the small victories. But when we achieve balance, we can motivate ourselves to continue refining our approach, making room for what truly matters.