We’re supposed to be able to have it all, be in balance, not let work rule our life but continue to pursue a job with purpose and climb the corporate ladder. We’re told we can, and should, include kids, a partner, catching up with friends, holidays, fitness, self-improvement or professional development and study, hobbies, mindfulness, sleep and a job. And, it’s all supposed to be in balance. No wonder our stress levels are rising!
I’m here to tell you, work-life balance is not possible. It’s a futile pursuit. Just look the definition of balance – ‘an even distribution…’. Does anyone really think we should be evenly distributing our time and energy between each of the components of our life? Try telling your boss, or your partner, “sorry, I can only fit you in for 20 hours a week, because that’s what I’m able to evenly distribute”.
Add in the little communication device we have permanently fixed to our hands and the separation of your life into its neat little compartments get even messier.
In the real world, not everything needs an even amount. Sometimes we need to give more attention to work or to our family, or whatever urgently needs it at the time. That should be OK.
So what if we forget about balance? What if there was a better way to have it all? Like a good cup of tea, finding the right blend that works for you may be the way to approach it.
Introducing Work-Life Blend
To Blend is to ‘mix together so as to make a product of the desired quality’. It doesn’t suggest even amounts or separation but focuses on the quality of the outcome, as a whole. How do you mix in work with the rest of your life to make a good blend? How can you find time for it all and make yourself healthier, happier and altogether less stressed in the process?
It starts with setting rules for yourself. ‘Discipline equals freedom’ is a concept that I love that comes from Jocko Willink, a former Navy Seal turned author. He asserts, and I’m buying it, that if you set rules and structure for the important, non-negotiables in your life, then that allows freedom for you to be footloose and fancy-free around that.
How do I find the right blend
I’m by no means smashing it and I’m always looking to improve the blend, but I’m pretty happy at a basic level. Here’s some simple discipline I’m trying;
I can’t promise that work will get any easier but try some or all of these tips and you might just be healthier, happier and a little less stressed. Time for a cup of tea.