My parents taught me the value of hard work. And early in my career, I learned that if I wanted to be successful, I would need to work harder, start earlier and stay later than everyone else. This community of practice was still evident in the workplace as recent as ten years ago.
But in today’s world, we want it all. We seek success at work and the ability to engage in our communities, with our families and to enjoy time with our friends. Americans are now working longer than ever before. We have lost the availability of grandparents being able to help raise our children. And we struggle to be the best at work and the ideal parent, friend and community servant.
It is possible to have a good work-life balance. The first step in doing so is to take care of you. Eating healthy, proper sleep and staying active is a foundation for your success. And whether at work or at home, it is imperative that you manage your time wisely. Make sure that you complete your must do’s first on a daily basis. Try adding you to your ‘to do’ list. Learn to say no instead of accepting tasks based on feelings of guilt. This will free up more time for you to do the things that are important to you.
As a parent and as an overachiever, I know that the struggle is real. But I also know that with good health, time management and determination, I have control of my work-life balance. I always make sure that I am on the front row cheering for my children at sporting events, plays and concerts.
Make sure that what is most important for you is achieved first. To help get you started, check out this short video Everyday Work-Life Balance Tips by clicking here.
Janis Burl is part of the GovLoop Featured Blogger program, where we feature blog posts by government voices from all across the country (and world!). To see more Featured Blogger posts, click here.
Female company president: ‘I’m sorry to all the mothers I worked with’! Great article in Fortune magazine. http://fortune.com/2015/03/03/female-company-president-im-sorry-to-all-the-mothers-i-used-to-work-with/
What an awesome article!!!!! Thanks David for sharing.