Do you believe that work is worship & life is sacred? In this article we will attempt to answer the eternal question “How to maintain work-life balance?

Here is a little thought experiment for you:

  • Split 100% into 2 parts based on how important each of these areas is to you – 1st part is work and 2nd part is life (includes family, relationships, your own physical and emotional well being, hobbies, passions, socializing etc.). Yes, work is a part of life, but for now let’s assume they are 2 separate components of your Holistic Life.
  • Split 100% again in terms of time, energy and effort you spend at work and the time, energy and effort you spend in living life (as defined above). 

Is there a difference in the percentage splits?

If the percentage splits are similar in both cases, you are inwardly aligned with your choices. Though there can be discussions on whether 80/20, 20/80,  50/50, 70/30 are healthy or unhealthy splits.

If the splits are different, what does it indicate?

One thing it clearly indicates is that your life choices are not aligned with the real value you place on work and life. This will cause you immense stress as your actions are not congruent with your beliefs. 

What would you ideally like it to be?

Spend time thinking, as it’s an important exploration within. Here are some questions for you to answer while you decide:

  • What are your priorities at your life stage? Career growth, money, achievement, freedom, family, peace, love, relationships, health and many other things.
  • Each of us has unique circumstances, so we have to decide our priorities keeping our circumstances in mind. Also keep in mind that you are only a human, and you will have certain needs and desires which must not be suppressed. They need to be fulfilled because if they are not, the emptiness will take away from your fulfilment, as well as come in the way of your work.

Based on your priorities, what is the most optimal allocation of your time, effort and energy across them?

Assign percentages for each priority, totaling up to 100%.

Remember this allocation will keep changing based on your circumstances and life stages. You need to maintain a dynamic equilibrium, making changes and calibrating as you go on.

Try and include significant others into the allocation for relationships, as they will be impacted by your presence and absence in their life. When they are impacted negatively, their resistance will create an opposing force towards you, which will drain out your energy. Or their alignment will create a supporting force which will enhance your energy.

What is stopping you from practicing this allocation – Obstacles, human needs, temptations, laziness, fear, anything else?

How will you bring this percentage allocation to life? 

This is extremely challenging because many priorities will be in conflict with each other. Yet, this thinking needs to be done. Implementing it will need a lot of hard work, perseverance, sacrifices and creative thinking. This is the part where you are the boss. The ball is in your court. You need to make well considered decisions and stick with them.

Work and life are intertwined parts of our holistic life. They should not be in conflict with each other. The greater their conflict, the greater our stress and unhappiness. We have to consciously maintain a harmony between them, which needs a mindset shift and a lot of effort.

The good part is that the effort  will be worth it as it will take us higher on the meaning, fulfillment and happiness ladder.

Follow me on Linkedin for insightful content on self-development, leadership, anything and everything that makes us and our lives better. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gulshanwalia/