"Work-Life Balance."
It’s a phrase we hear often. But I don’t think it really exists. At least not in the way most "experts" talk about it.
I, like most people, have never been able to balance the scales of work/life on a day-to-day basis. Rather, I’ve come to realize that the dance between work and life is more about rhythm than balance.
There is a rhythm to life and there is a season for everything.
For me, there is a time to work hard and a time to rest. There is a time to be on the road and a time to be at home with my family.
My wife and I look at our year as whole and we plan our schedule according to the seasons of our life knowing I’ll be slammed in August, September and October and slower in December and July.
We plan for when I’ll be working and when I’ll be more engaged with the family.
You can do the same.
You may have a different rhythm and your seasons may be shorter or longer than mine but you can look at your life on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis and schedule times to work hard, recharge, renew, play, and engage with your family/friends/significant other.
However, regardless of your rhythm and work schedule I want to encourage you to fully commit to your seasons.
People tell me all the time that they feel guilty that they are not at home with their family when they are at work. And to make matters worse they also feel guilty that they are not working when they are at home.
A double dose of guilt is a recipe for misery.
Instead, when you are working hard realize this is your season to do so... and also make plans for time to recharge, renew and spend quality time with the people you love.
When you are working, commit fully to your work. When you are home with your family or significant other, commit fully to engaging with them and enjoy your personal time.
By understanding your rhythm, planning and committing to the seasons of your life you may not achieve perfect work-life balance but you will create a flow and rhythm that makes you happier, more productive and... less guilty.
-Jon
