Why Checking In with Yourself Is Essential for Work-Life Harmony

Welcome to Career Well-being. Each week Ana Goehner empowers professionals to prioritize well-being with practical work-life strategies: workplace boundaries, flexibility at work, targeted job search, and career advice.

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Have you recently paused to check in with yourself?

We all live busy lives, and it's easy to lose track of time and live on autopilot. We get so caught up in our routines, work, and responsibilities that we rarely stop to evaluate how we're really feeling or what we need to change to find balance.

But if you don’t take the time to pause and reflect, you could find yourself stuck in the same place a year from now, overwhelmed and out of sync with your priorities. I'm here to help you do something about it and avoid the feeling of time went by and I didn't do [fill in the blank].

The Importance of Checking In with Yourself

Checking in with yourself isn’t just about self-care; it’s about self-discovery. It allows you to reconnect with your energy, thoughts, and feelings so that you can adjust where needed and avoid burnout.

Often, we only reflect on what’s going wrong, but taking a moment to recognize what’s working well can be just as powerful.

When I left my corporate job to pursue solopreneurship, I had to redefine who I was. After spending 15 years in one role, it took time to pause, reflect, and figure out what I wanted next. That’s when I realized the value of regularly checking in with myself to maintain alignment and harmony.

Why You Need to Ask the Right Questions

The right questions can help you uncover the areas in your life that need attention. These check-in with yourself questions are designed to get you thinking about how you're really doing, both personally and professionally.

If you’re struggling to find balance, here are a few questions to guide your self-reflection:

🟣 Key Check-In Questions:

• How’s my energy? Is anything draining too much of it?
• What do I want this week or month to feel and look like?
• Is anything stressing me out or taking up too much brain space?
• What action can I take now to balance my time and energy better?
• Are my routines working for me, or do I need to shift them?
• What have I been craving? (In life, creativity, work, relationships, or well-being)

These simple yet profound questions can help you refocus your energy and make adjustments that lead to a healthier work-life harmony.

The Benefits of Checking In Regularly

By making these check-ins a habit, you can avoid the common trap of running on empty. When you take time to check in with yourself, you create space for:

• Improved mental clarity: Identifying stressors and recognizing areas of growth help clear your mind.
• Balanced energy: Understanding what’s draining or replenishing your energy allows you to make more intentional decisions.
• Increased self-awareness: Reflecting on your feelings and needs leads to personal growth and deeper self-understanding.
• Greater work-life harmony: Regular check-ins allow you to continuously adjust and realign your priorities.

Self-Discovery Leads to Growth

When we pause and reflect, we open the door to self-discovery. You learn what’s truly important to you, where you’re headed, and how you can better balance your time and energy. Self-discovery isn’t a one-time event—it’s a constant process, and checking in with yourself helps you stay aligned.

Work-life harmony is a cycle, not a destination. And just like alignment, it requires constant checking in to ensure that you’re on the right path.

Regular self-reflection helps you understand what’s working for you and what needs to change to create a healthier balance in your life.

What Questions Are You Asking Yourself?

Asking yourself the right questions can bring clarity and realignment. So, what questions are you asking yourself this month? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going!

By making time to check in with yourself, you’ll gain a clearer sense of what you need to feel balanced, energized, and fulfilled. Don’t wait until burnout hits—start checking in with yourself today to create a healthier, more harmonious work-life balance.

➡️P.S. If you want more content like this, become a Career Well-being Thriver! Get my exclusive Thursday newsletter directly to your inbox + a gift! 🎁