Is Work/ Life Balance Even Achievable?

Hi Team...

I wanted to write something special for you today.

Yesterday, a client I work with, Randy Smith made a very special post/ video on living in balance as a part of a series is doing called: From Overwhelmed to Overcoming.

It really made me think: Is balance achievable?

A deeper question for me is this: What is balance?

So, this is the definition I came up with:

Balance = Being able to do all the things you want to do without breaking down. While at the same time, becoming the person you strive to be in all categories of your life without feeling stressed, depressed, exhausted, drained, and living a life without passion and energy.

What do you think?

I think that pretty much sums it up.

Now, is it possible?

Absolutely. 

It just is not possible to do it in the way it is being sold today.

Let's face it, most high performers are engaged, high octane people.

They love the competitiveness of building something, creating something, and being the best at it.

They are natural born overachievers.

So, for a person cut from this cloth to achieve balance in their life, they must start by honoring their personality rather than putting restrictions on it.

High performers usually have higher capacity than the average.

Meaning, they can work longer, harder, and can sustain performance over the long haul. 

On the other hand, they just never know when enough is enough and when an appropriate time to stop is.

This is where balance is needed.

How do we get this done?

1. By knowing your capacity, you MUST schedule "off" time. This can be a whole weekend of zero work, or, for some, doing some work early am actually can help them relax. Then after that, take the remainder of the day off.

2. Sunday is non-negotiable off day. Personally, I use Sunday as my day off. Old school, yes. But, it is the day I enjoy having zero work, and I know, every week I can count on Sunday being there for me.

3. Quarterly vacations/ 3-day wrap around weekends scheduled off. If you are able to plan quarterly get-aways, this helps to again have a system in place for balancing your work. In between these vacations, you can and should work your butt off!

4. Set a quit time each day. This is how you can keep yourself whole and restored during your work week. Have a cut-off time. Ex. I do not work after 7pm. After 7pm is my time. Movies, shows, walks.. just no work.

5. Schedule a daily workout/ health block.If you do this, each day you will have guaranteed time set aside for you personal health and wellness, both physical and mental. It must be scheduled. Ex. Personally, I do this each day from 11am-12:30pm.

You see, too many times we are told what we should not do, or can not do, and that certainly is not the way for the high performer to find balance in their life...

After all, high performers are a special breed.

Honor that- but, do it in a way that is smart and honors the need for a certain amount of rest, unplugging, and daily health related activity!

When you get that down, the high performer in you is in the best possible position to win big!

Got it?

Now, let's go out and WIN THE DAY!

Your Coach,

COACH DANA CAVALEA