Today an increasing number of us are experiencing burnout, low productivity, insomnia, and stress related illnesses…undoubtedly due to a lack of balance between our work and personal lives. It’s time to look at how we can create greater balance in our work and personal lives. What looks like balance to one person may differ for another because individuals have different goals, values and definitions of success. However, there are some common definitions of balance that include:

• Having a sense that there is enough time in the day to effectively accomplish work-related tasks

• The ability to get through our daily work and family responsibilities without feeling drained

• Having the ability to participate in activities we enjoy on a regular basis

At the heart of successful work-life balance is:

• Accomplishment: getting the stuff we need to get done and

• Enjoyment: having the time for loved ones, fun, rest, exercise and hobbies.

Although the concepts of achieving balance are simple, actually creating a balanced life isn’t easy, but it is definitely worthwhile.

Here are some steps to help you on your journey toward life balance. It’s a process so be patient with yourself.

1) Begin your balance journey by figuring out what your values and priorities are.
        Yeah I know…feels like everything is a priority. Yet too often, our time and energy are spent on things that we don’t really care about. Once you’re clear about your values and priorities you can begin saying “no” to those things that move you further away from your values and priorities and ”yes” to those things that are in alignment with your values. You can begin to structure your life in a way that supports the personal and professional goals you want to accomplish. Determining the goals you want to accomplish and the quality of life you want to live, will help guide you toward figuring out what balance looks life for you.

2) Identify your balance “blockers”.
         Balance blockers are those things that we either think or do that stands in the way of achieving balance. It’s basically a perspective we hold about why we can’t pursue balance-related goals. Some examples of blockers are:

• Living for the expectations of others at work and at home

• Consistently putting the needs of others before your own

• Fear of change

• Hung up on appearances

• Perfectionism