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Is Work Your Whole Life?

     Darren was a rock star at work. His boss was amazed at his willingness to work overtime and travel anywhere. He was the go-to guy, the problem solver, the one who worked through the night even without being asked. Yes, Darren made a name for himself within the company, but it came with a cost. He had high blood pressure, two failed marriages and three kids he didn't know well enough to tell you their best friends' names.

     Darren was a raging success in one area of his life resulting in the erosion of his health, his physical body and his treasured relationships.

     Is your work life your whole life? There is no right or wrong answer -- what's important are the choices you make to create value in your life. If you stay late but resent your work for eating time you'd rather spend with your family, spend at home, exercising, or simply decompressing, your work will be impacted. An overworked employee may log more time, but the quality of that work diminishes with both mental and physical fatigue.  

sponsored by:
KAESER & BLAIR

TOP SHELF TIP NO. 104

"You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future"

Author Unknown

     If you already feel crunched by the clock when it comes time to pick up your children or get to the gym, adding more to the workload will topple your balancing act. There is a part of you that knows what your life requires beyond the office door.

     Today and tomorrow Promotional Consultant Today will look ways to find time for what you value most and help you get the outcomes you desire.

It's All In How You Slide It

     Make a list of what usually fills your day -- list everything from sleeping, commuting, TV time, personal grooming, time with family or friends and pet care. On a sheet of paper draw a circle to represent a 24-hour period of your life. Divide the pie into fourths to start; each quarter will represent a six-hour block.

     Next allocate slices of your pie to accurately represent time you spend doing the items on your list. Take a good look. What activity eats up your biggest slice? Which is your skinniest slice? Is there a chunky piece that could use some trimming down or a skinny slice that could use some beefing up?

     Be conscious of all that fills your day; it puts you in a position of choice and power.

Eat Your Pie One Slice At A Time

     When you do the pie exercise, you will notice some slices need a little tweaking. However, don't overwhelm yourself by tackling changes to your whole pie at once.

     Choose one slice and change it for the coming week. Make changing or adjusting that one slice your priority for the next seven days. Consider starting on a piece that you think will have the greatest payoff and positive residual effects.

     For example, if one of your slices consists of staying up late every night to watch TV and as a result waking up late and tired for work, adjusting that one slice will positively impact your physical well being as well as your productivity at work.

     Source: Rena Reese is an author, speaker and radio host, as well as founder of The Soul Salon. She has a master's degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University and life coach training from the Coaches Training Institute. In her latest book is The Soul Salon.