As the amazing summer draws to an end, the days shorten, and the kids in my neighborhood go back to school, I've started to think about how stressful this time of year can be for some people. Schedules fill up particularly quickly if you have kids, or if you're involved with groups that have taken the summer off. Below are 5 tips that I think about as I strive to improve my work-life balance.
1) It's okay to say no. It shows strength and courage to recognize when you are approaching your limits - politely decline new projects or opportunities when you get to that point. I believe that it's better to focus on fewer things and do them well, as opposed to stretching yourself too thin and suffering the consequences.
2) It's okay to say yes! There isn't always a good time for things. But some of life's greatest treasures come unexpectedly. I said no to getting a dog for too long because I thought it would be too much work. It turns out my husband was right (don't tell him that!) and our little fur ball brings us so much JOY!
3) Prioritize. Donna Fakler spoke a while back to our members and shared some tips that I've tried to put into practice. 1 minute of planning saves 10 minutes of doing. Take a few minutes at the beginning and end of each day to plan. Multi-tasking compromises your memory, increases stress, and you can lose 30-50% of your efficiency.
4) Reduce clutter. Donna defined clutter as anything that's broken, you've outgrown, dislike, are bored with, is a burden to others, or is an effort to maintain. Consider the FAT approach (File, Action, Toss) at work.
5) Have a personal mission statement, motto, or life verse that you focus on. I went to a presentation recently on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, where we watched a short video of the toasts at a man's 80th birthday party. What would you want people to say about you at your 80th, 90th or even 100th birthday party?