Here are 4 ideas to help you bring a little better balance into your life:
SCHEDULE FAMILY TIME
Block out time on your calendar for your family up front or you will never have it open. If you can block off an hour lunch meeting with someone for business, why not block off an hour dinner with your family at night?
The important thing is that you treat your family as if they matter just as much as the most important business person in the world, and don’t miss your scheduled meetings you have with them. Block out dinner on your calendar. Block out Saturday family events. Block out date night if you are married. Block out a once-a-month father/daughter or mother/son date with your child. Put these things on your calendar in advance of each month and then treat them with the importance of any other meeting. Schedule that time with them. They need you.
DOES THIS ADD VALUE TO MY LIFE? IF NOT, CUT IT OUT!
There are a lot of things we waste time on in life. Television, internet, video games, etc. Cut it out! If you have distractions in your life that take too much time away from family then put stickers on the TV or computer or video game console that ask you “what matters most in my life?” It won’t take long for that to hit you in the gut.
AVOID THE BLACK HOLE OF NEGATIVITY
People in your life that gossip, are negative, complain, or vent can be a huge drain on your energy. Avoid them! They will take up your time and leave absolutely no redeeming value to your universe. Don’t give them two seconds of your day because if you give two seconds they will take two hours.
TAKE TIME FOR YOU
In all the talk about work/life balance we forget that part of balance is taking time for yourself. It is the very first thing that always goes – you. Everyone – men and women – need a little time each day just for them. Time to read a little, time to take a hot bath once in a while, time for a massage, time to garden. No matter what you choose to do, it needs to be time that is just for you.