THRIVE IN FIVE: Work-Life "Balance"... A Misnomer?

"Balance"- A Misnomer?

First of all, work-life balance does NOT necessarily mean 50% of your time is spent on "work" and 50% of your time is spent on "life." Although that would be grand, it's also unrealistic! In truth, it's about preventing burnout and increasing your quality of life and overall satisfaction. This Thrive in Five focuses on why you should care and gives a handful of tips to help you find your "sweet spot."

"Looking back on my life,

I really wish I spent more time at work!"

- said no one ever...

Why It Matters

According to Michael Hyatt, a Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author (in other words... he's credible):

"If you are working more than fifty-five hours a week, you are working too much and likely out of balance."

Hyatt tells of 5 assets you're hurting if you have an imbalanced life:

Your Health- From eating unhealthy, "quick" food to the negative effects of stress, your health is at risk!
Your Family- If you're working over 55 hours, chances are you either won't have a family or you'll be missing out on the experiences they're having without you!
Your Friends- Don't have any? Point proven. (Just kidding!) Make time to make and maintain friendships!
Your Effectiveness- Research shows that productivity does NOT increase once you start working over 55 hours!
Your Example- If you're in a leadership position, your co-workers and employees will look to you as an example of "success." If you're working 60+ hours per week, you're only encouraging the unhealthy lifestyle!

Apply the FIVE!

Balance is HARD! We get that! However, we refuse to believe it's impossible. Forbes contributor Deborah Lee gives us 6 tips to practice better work-life balance:

Let go of perfectionism.
Unplug.
Exercise and meditate.
Limit time-wasting activities (and people!).
Change the structure of your life.
Start small. Build from there.

And one tip from Yours Truly:

Make time for yourself!! Whether it's being completely disconnected (mentally and electronically) while eating so you can truly just enjoy your food, scheduling in a "night out" on a Tuesday, or just taking a walk on a nice night, give yourself time to take a "mental break" from the stresses of life. Schedule it in if you have to!

Finally, going back to Michael Hyatt's points, realize that you're setting an example for others. If you show others that success AND work-life balance can exist side-by-side, EVERYONE will benefit!

Lee's 6 Tips in Detail

Until Next Time...

The Evans Thrive Team

(Nicole, Laura, Bob, Sean and Kaitlin)

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