You’re struggling to find balance between work and life. What are the best ways to achieve it?

First take a moment to pause. Second shrink focus down and centre myself (I imagine I am the size of a tennis ball that is located in the centre of my body). This helps to let go of the superfluous thoughts and noise. Third, breath deeply and listen. More often than not, what I need to do will be revealed.

Interesting question. I struggle with this when I try and find a balance that works "all the time." In fact, some times my personal life demands 90% of my attention, and other times my work-life demands the lion's share. Being flexible and accepting that 50/50 is not achievable every day, or that we are in a "marathon, not a sprint," can help you prioritize tasks and build a balance over time. In short, the balance is not an absolute, but over the long-run: you will drive yourself crazy if you try and achieve a perfect balance everyday.

To deepen your application of the Eisenhower Matrix, start by writing down all tasks and responsibilities you face in a week. Then, categorize each task according to its urgency and importance. This exercise reveals not just where your time is currently spent, but where it should be invested. For example, spending an hour on personal development (important but not urgent) can be more rewarding than an hour on social media (neither urgent nor important). Remember, the key is not to fill every slot with tasks but to ensure that your time aligns with your personal and professional values.

Creating boundaries is one thing, but boundaries are easy to step around and over. I recommend not only setting boundaries, but creating structure to reinforce those boundaries. Structure can include a rhythm or routine to enforce specific boundaries at specific times in specific ways. Activities like this help to form habits. At first, it will feel uncomfortable and you might feel like it's not helping, but stick with it! Developing a habit takes time. The benefits of having a habit is that we can operate in an almost 'automatic' mode, saving valuable cognitive capacity (or mental effort) for other things.

Exploring professional support options, such as counseling or coaching, can provide tailored strategies to navigate work-life challenges. These experts can offer a fresh perspective, rooted in years of experience and research, to help you uncover and tackle underlying issues that may be hindering your balance. Don't hesitate to reach out to a professional who aligns with your goals and values; this partnership can be a transformative element of your journey, offering clarity, accountability, and profound insights.

To achieve work-life balance, begin by assessing your life to identify imbalances. Prioritize what's important, set boundaries to protect personal time, and manage your schedule effectively. Self-care is vital; make it a priority to avoid burnout. If overwhelmed, seek help, delegate tasks, and be ready to make changes for your well-being. Regularly review your strategies and adjust as necessary to maintain a healthy balance.