Work Life Balance – What’s it Worth to You?

When considering your work life balance, take some time to ask what it’s worth to you. Your answer may hold the key to what to do next.

Add this question to your toolbox and use it often. As you face each day with often overwhelming stimulus and an insane amount of choices regarding your career, family, relationships, finances, health, activities, it can help to have a few phrases to trigger your checks and balances.

Time, energy, and emotions are not limitless and it might help to attach a value to your options. Worth is defined as “the quality that renders something desirable, useful, or valuable”. It can be based financially, emotionally, physically, psychologically, ethically.

The focus can be time-based… short-term or long-term. We can consider the benefits, opportunities, consequences, pain, payoffs, risks/rewards, etc. It’s your choice on how you approach and answer. It may vary depending on your mood and the scenario.

Your answer may differ dramatically from everyone else around you. That’s ok. Actually, it can be outstanding! It’s your life you’re in… no one else’s. Others operate from what they value or find desirable or useful based on their experiences. Make it a conversation starter and be prepared for a huge eye-opener.

Granted, this 100% freedom also leaves you with 100% responsibility. Take the challenge. Practice being convicted in yourself and your decisions. “He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.” (Lao-tzu)

Here’s a variation to try. “Is what I’m doing bringing me closer to or further away from my 5 year vision.” Role play: Is it worth it to drive 5 hours to attend a workshop? Is it worth it to spend $250 on this item or service? Is it worth it to my relationship to address this issue or let it go?

By incorporating this question into your daily routine, you may realize that what you’ve done/said in the past no longer works for or fits with you. Break the pattern. Pause, be patient, be persistent. You will get the answer. This is also a very good technique to suggest to others who are struggling with issues and options. Is it worth it? If it helps someone live, learn, grow, love… the answer is yes.

Time’s a Tickin’: Consider your 1-hour lunch break. Even if you chew each bite 25 times, you’re done in about 15. Add 5 minutes to find a nice spot (change of scenery) and 5 minutes to digest and you’ve got 30+ to play with – “walk, run errands, explore, visit a friend/colleague. This supports making meals ahead of time, saving money on eating out, eating smaller meals, aiding digestion by following meals with a brisk walk. Not a bad plan.