Work life balance - The best of intentions

Shifting to a positive way of thinking and planning, however, requires several important steps, says Kate James, managing director of personal coaching organisation Total Balance.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY People’s physical, mental and spiritual energy are all connected, so it’s important to take care of the body as well as exercising and developing the mind, she says.

“I’m all about moderation, so I suggest eating well but not dieting; exercising in a way that feels sustainable long-term – so choose an activity you enjoy; and every week doing something purely for relaxation, such as yoga, meditation or a creative pursuit,” she says.

THROW OUT THE GARBAGE

Both literally and metaphorically. Clearing up the places where you spend significant amounts of the day – the office, home or car – will help clear some thinking space.

Once that’s done, Ms James suggests brokers set to work on tidying up the rest of their lives by getting rid of everything that drains them: bad habits, unnecessary expenses and negative relationships.

LET GO OF NEGATIVITY

Everyone has an internal critic, a voice that judges and condemns them. This voice can prove to be destructive unless you train yourself to reason with it. Look for the value in what your internal critic is saying and use that value to reshape any negative thoughts.

Humour, Ms James adds, can be a great defence against negative or destructive thoughts. It’s a way to calm the mind and put a situation in proper perspective.

“If I find myself irritated by someone, I use the phrase ‘good on him/her’ in front of my critical thought,” she says. “Negative thinking impacts only you, so it helps to keep your thoughts light.”

‘MOVE INTO GRATITUDE’

Take time to acknowledge days that go according to plan and be thankful for them. Showing gratitude for when good things happen can keep you motivated and intent on doing a good job the next day.

“When you get into bed at night, write down three things that went well that day,” Ms James suggests. “A written list will allow you to reflect on the positives of your working life, not just the negatives and stresses that work can cause.”

MAKE YOUR INTENTIONS CRYSTAL CLEAR

Broking is a mobile profession. You can talk to clients at your desk, in a taxi or on the beach, so it’s easy to succumb to a poor work/life balance where the line between work and relaxation goals is fuzzy.

Setting goals that you want to achieve in a day, week or year and then establishing the intention to do so will take you much closer to striking a healthy work/life balance.

To establish that intention you might consider developing a vision statement, describing the specifics of your ideal work and home life.

“Consider what really matters,” Ms James says. “Deeply connected relationships, meaningful work, being creative, making a difference in some way, leaving a legacy... What are these things for you?”

Once you’ve written them down, she suggests creating a visual representation of that vision, using a board, scrap book, photo of a loved one or even just a souvenir from a favourite holiday to remind you of the more important things outside work. Visual images often hit harder than thoughts.

Then each day, take one tiny step that’s aligned with your vision.

Achieving a healthy work/life balance, however, means developing good habits and can therefore take time. “Be patient and authentic,” she says, “until things begin to unfold.”