Balancing work and family is a constant battle. It seems that one suffers while the other thrives. It’s not an easy balancing act, but it can be done.
The key is to make the most of your time, get help, maximize your resources, and eliminate non-essential activities that don’t provide enjoyment.
Consider these ideas:
- Avoid wasting time at work. If you can get more done at work during normal business hours, you can avoid having to stay late or take your work home.
- The average office worker wastes the majority of the day. Between breaks, getting a drink, using the restroom, socializing, and the internet, it’s a wonder anything gets accomplished.
- Make the most of your time at work. Not only will you impress your boss, but you might even be able to leave a little earlier each day and spend that time with your family.
- Avoid wasting time at home. Are you spending your time wisely at home? Are you getting things done and spending time with your family? Or are you wasting time in front of the TV?
- You might already have all the time you need to have a balanced life if you’ll just use your time to do things that are important to you.
- Delegate at work. Are you utilizing your employees and coworkers as much as possible? Some people can’t seem to trust others to do anything important. You can get more done each day if you make the most of your resources. Get the help you need.
- Delegate at home. Are you, your spouse, and children all sharing the load at home? The sooner things get done, the sooner you can spend quality time together. Would it be possible to hire a housecleaning service or someone to mow the lawn?
- Maximize your productivity. It’s not just about not wasting your time, it’s doing things intelligently. Is there a quicker way to accomplish your tasks each day? What could you be doing more efficiently?
- Say “no” more often. Odds are that you have activities and obligations in your life that are actually optional. Some of them you don’t even enjoy. Why spend your time on these things? If you don’t have to do it, consider not doing it.
- Learning to say “no” more often can keep these activities from encroaching on your life.
- Telecommute. Check with your employer and see if you can work from home part of the week. You’ll save the time you’d normally be driving. You’ll have fewer distractions, too. You can also work in your pajamas for a nice change of pace.
- Make the most of your commute. Can you make some of your phone calls while driving? Maybe you can sharpen your skills by listening to books on tape. Maybe you can carpool and get some real work done while someone else drives.
- Make the most of your time at home. Do things as a family. That doesn’t mean sitting in the same room staring at a digital screen. Go to the park. Take ride to the ice cream parlor. Play a game. You need less time together if you spend the time you have together wisely.
It can be challenging to manage both your home and work life. This struggle has been going on since the beginning of civilization. While it’s not easy, you can find a balance point in your life.
Learn to be more efficient and industrious at home and at work. Maximize your use of your resources. Eliminate unnecessary activities. Make a balanced life a priority.