How to Achieve Work/Life Balance in the Toughest of Times

Is it really possible to achieve work/balance in today’s economy? Let’s get real; even in the best of times, achieving work/life seems elusive at best. But when times are really tough, as we’ve experienced during the “Great Recession,” striving for work/life balance becomes a journey for seeking the fountain of youth (but that’s another story).

In today’s economic climate, if we are employed, we are grateful to be earning a paycheck, no matter how miserable we are at work. No time to pursue our dream job or career choice as our student loans constantly remind us. We are willing to put up with working 60, 80, or more hours under the reigns of the boss from hell. Work/life balance? Get real!

Work/Life Balance – What is it?

What exactly is work/life balance? One expert, Jim Bird (Work-Life Balance Defined, What it Really Means), says, “Life will deliver the value and balance we desire…when we are achieving and enjoying something every single day…in all the important areas that make up our lives…work, family, friends, and self.” Is this realistic? Well, that depends on how you look at life.

Life is not “a cabaret, ol’ chum…” life is a circus! I’ve discovered that the key to attempting to achieve any semblance of work/life balance is to look at it from the perspective that life is a circus. Let me share with you six areas where the Circus symbolizes the pursuit of work/live balance.

Who is the Ringmaster?

Ask your self, “Who is really in control of my life?” The answer is not always so obvious but, in reality, we are in control of our own lives. We are the ringmaster of our life, even when it seems like external forces are in control, we still have the ability to crack the whip and make a choice (right or wrong) it’s still our choice. And regardless of the difficulty of the choice or choices we must make, we can choose our attitude and a positive attitude solves half of any problem. So make decisions that support your lifestyle goals!

Taming the Lions at Work

Whether you’re in a dead-end job, working with the boss from hell, bullying workmates, or any other typical workplace “lion-like” antics, a positive attitude will go a long way towards taming those symbolic lions. Sometimes their roar is just a way of getting your attention. Remember this: your job is a means to an end. Your job helps you achieve and maintain a lifestyle that you want. So even if your job is not to your satisfaction, identify the developmental opportunities your job offers and improve your skills. After all, your skills are transferable to your next (and hopefully better) job.

Flying through the Air…

…with the greatest of ease, then you better have a safety net! Safety nets should be in place to help you when times are tough. Safety nets also come in many forms, such as savings, network of support family/friends, resources, access to information, etc. Don’t wait till you’re flying through the air do set up your safety nets. There is no time like the present.

Walking the Tightrope

How do you get from one end of the tightrope to the other? Focus. No matter how limited or cramped your path maybe, focusing on your goals will get you where you want to be in your life. Focusing on your goals also means to be flexible when necessary. So as you walk your tightrope and you make a little slip, regain your balance, focus and keeping going!

It’s all a Juggling Act

Is everything you are doing a priority? Really? Priorities have consequences. Have you taken the time to identify the consequences of the activities you are currently engaged in? Will eating fast-food on a regular basis help you to be healthy as you grow older? Will spending 6 hours a day watching television keep you fit and mentally alert? You get the message. Identify your priorities, their consequences, drop or limit low priority activities, focus, now walk the tightrope while juggling the important things in your life.

Bring in the Clowns!

Life without fun and laughter is a life unfulfilled! Even when there are not a lot to laugh at in your life right now, take the time to laugh and have some fun. Go fly a kite, swing at the park, go to a comedy club with friends (or go by yourself and make friends there), rent a comedy, go downtown and people watch (talk about clowns!), what ever you do make sure you laugh and have fun. It’s therapeutic. I can help with developing or maintaining a positive attitude. Life is too short…

Charles M Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip once said, “I think I’ve discovered the secret of life- you just hang around until you get used to it.” So no matter your current life situation, achieving work/life balance is never a 50-50 division. You’ve got to know what you want, find your unique balance, and live accordingly. Now go to the circus and have a laugh!