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As a Life Balance Coach, I feel it’s important to walk the walk and talk the talk.
It’s 2pm on a sunday afternoon, the sun is shining and I can hear the neighbour’s kids laughing, but I’m sitting at my desk typing to you.
What do you think of me now?
I’d understand if you’re thinking, “Fiona, you should be setting a good work-life balance example for your clients.”
Sure, I could be outside and I could be having coffee with my friends.
It’s such a glorious summer’s day, but I’ve made a choice to write this blog.
Note the word “choice”.
Many people don’t like the word balance because they feel compelled to allocate equal time to work and to family. Time and time again work-life balance is portrayed as a set of old fashioned scales with 50/50 work and life or a stack of balanced peddles sitting in a Zen like garden.
We can’t create that kind of equilibrium so can we please stop associating the term with these images.
Work-life balance is really a movement that invites you to think about how you prioritise your day. It’s making choices about how work and family will fit into your daily life. I know it would sound silly calling myself the life choice coach, but that’s what life balance really is.
Recently I heard the term work-life integration and work-life harmony. Is that a better fit for you?
Work-life balance needs to start with exploring what the term work-life balance means to you?
Scott Scheiman, a University of Toronto professor challenges us in asking, “So how do the needs of your family fit into the tasks and responsibilities of your everyday working life?”
Here are a few pressure easing tips for you to consider:
- Learn to say no and to prioritise your day whether it be a family or work one.
- When out with family, resist the temptation to merge work e.g. leave your smart phone in your handbag.
- Work out your best and most productive times of the day and schedule in the most important to-do tasks.
- Recharge! Have a life of your own such as a hobbie or sport that is not connected family and work.
The point I want to make is that it’s not about balancing your life as much as it’s the feeling of being balanced within when you experiment with how you schedule your time to flow between the two.
Today’s choice to work from home is because I value my time with my son. I choose to focus less on my business when he is with me, and more when he is away with his dad.
In choosing to hold this value, just for today this is what I’m prepared to compromise.
I’ve found a work-life balance that works for me!
Rather than live a life based on other people’s shoulds, I’ve stayed true to my values, and priorities, and the result is amazing. No regrets and no mummy guilt.
Would you like to explore your values, and priorities to help you find your work life balance?
Fiona Craig
Fiona Craig is a work-life balance coach, business coach, writer, speaker and buy mum who loves helping women become better at juggling career and family life or to create a better work-life balance by starting a business. Email Fiona at info@lifebalancecoach.com.au or call 0405 433 217 for a FREE 20 minute, Rapid Results Coaching Session.
I’m really struggling with myself and balancing my family and working in my family business. Thank you.
Hi Kirsty, It sounds like you have a lot to juggle and I’d be happy to hear your story and give you some strategies to take away. Email or call me today.
Agreed, being productive 9 to 5 never suited me. I write on a Sunday if I feel inspired to and go for a walk mid week if that’s what I need 🙂
Thanks Jane and I’m so happy for you. I guess breaking the old taboo that sunday should be blah, blah! You’ve created a wonderful life for yourself.
Completely agree. I made the switch early in the year from staffer to freelance. It was a plunge, but it’s the best thing I did. It’s made me much happier working when I feel creative – yes, even if that is a Sunday! I’m less stressed and also my family is so much happier too. A win-win!
Rachel that would inspire so many other women. It’s a real leap of faith but these days there’s so much information and support around so I do tell my clients that it can be done. Thanks for sharing.