5 Steps to Creating Work-Life Balance

Recently we were in a discussion with a friend about the myth of work life balance. This morning she sent us an interesting podcast which interviews Christy Wright, author of Take Back Your Time.

Now we'll be honest, we haven't read the book. We haven't even heard of it before today.

But we did want to share some excellent points she brought up around finding your own path to balance, whatever that looks like for you.

She recommends doing inquiry around the question, "Who do I want to be?"

Not indefinitely, but specifically in this season of your life.

Because we shift, and evolve through different seasons of life, and it's unrealistic to think we will be able to juggle all the balls all the time.

We love the 5 steps process she shared to start creating your own version of balance. And we're sharing it with you below, along with our interpretations of each step.

1. Figure out what matters

This step is crucial to get aligned - and it's important to re-visit your priorities as you grow through different areas of life, because they change!

2. Stop doing what doesn't matter

How often do you feel "busy" or overwhelmed with everything on your plate? When's the last time you slowed down and really assessed what your options are and how many roles and responsibilities you're choosing to take on?

What can you delegate to someone else or just stop doing? (Hint: doing this creates more space for you to do what you DO what to do)

3. Create a calendar that actually reflects what matters

This is where the rubber hits the road (or so they say). You can talk about how much you want to grow your side hustle, but are you actually scheduling time in your calendar to make it happen?

How often are you working on it? Are you prioritizing this over other things in your life? If it's important to you, you should make time for it.

4. Protect what matters

Once you have decided what matters and blocked out time in your calendar, you must PROTECT your boundaries! That means treat it like an important meeting that you wouldn't flake on. Clearly communicate this with other people in your life so they can understand where you are coming from and support you.

5. Be present for what matters

This means when you are working on a project, you are completely present and not checking social media (ooh busted!) or answering texts. Likewise, when you are with family you are not checking emails on your phone or thinking about work. You are making eye contact with loved ones and soaking up each moment.

Which of these steps do you practice (if any)? 

We always love when you share your experiences and thoughts with us. If you would like to share with us you can do so by sending us an email to [email protected].