Positive Work-Life Balance

Over the years, technology has made workers more available than ever, thus making it increasingly difficult to establish a positive work-life balance. While this concept of work-life balance is often overlooked when first entering the workforce, many seasoned individuals wish they had made more time for the important things in life.

 

Establishing a positive work-life balance is absolutely essential for every individual, not just those married with children. Regardless of your social status, it is important to set limits on your work accessibility. Without these limits, it is easy to let work overflow into your personal life; a few extra hours at the office, checking emails on your phone, answering phone calls outside of work hours, and a variety of other tasks can build up and make your work life your only life.

 

In a recent interview, CEO Mike Williams expressed regret at not realizing sooner the importance of this balance. His priority was primarily monetary provision for his family, and a result of this was lost time with his family. During the interview Mike shared what he has found to be one of the most valuable things you can do for your loved ones:

 

“Spend personal and focused and dedicated time with them.”

 

Personal – To be personal you have to be intentional about getting to know the people around you. You have to take the time to know their lives. When you actually get to know the people around you on a personal level, you can start building on these relationships.

 

Focused – Being focused means concentrating on your relationship with the people around you and not being distracted. Too often I see people barely listening as they are consumed with their phones. Be attentive to the people around you.

 

Dedicated – Dedicated implies time and devotion spent on building these relationships. This is not something that happens in one day. Dedication implies commitment. There must be a balance between your work life and home life.

 

I urge you—do not wait until it’s too late to establish this balance. Know what you value and act accordingly. No matter how passionate you are about your job, and no matter the strength of your work ethic, do not let that commitment eclipse your commitment to those you love and to your own well-being. Find the balance, and don’t let work consume every part of your day.

 

 

Question: How do you handle the challenge of balancing your commitment to work with your commitment to your loved ones?

 

 

Copyright © 2015 by Dan Nielsen – www.dannielsen.com

America’s Healthcare Leaders – www.americashealthcareleaders.com

National Institute for Healthcare Leadership – www.nihcl.com