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Who’s the boss!  Is your life working for you?

Life and Business Coach, Rasheed Ogunlaru shares the secrets of successful work life balance

 

It’s very telling that the word ‘work’ is put before the word ‘life’ when it comes to work-life balance. Despite all the trendy talk of life balance and flexible working, executives, small business owners and sole traders seem programmed or compelled to put in longer hours, with their personal lives and happiness often suffering.

This is ironic because when I ask people who have or wish to move into business their reasons, they reply  “to be my own boss”, “to be master of my destiny” and ”to enjoy a higher quality of life for myself and my family”.

One such business owner I met recently summed up the reality for many: “Much of the challenge is the pace, competitiveness and demands of the today’s business world. This is heightened for small businesses and especially sole traders like me. I am managing director, marketing manager and mailman.”

Planning

A recent Department of Trade and Industry survey pointed to both the ailment and the remedy:
“Businesses are hurting their productivity by setting aside little time for planning strategy. Although 95% of firms were aware of the importance of planning for the future of their company, almost 90% spent less than two hours each week doing so.”  
I doesn’t stop there. The same home, family life and personal progress are damaged unless you address and plan them too. The same DTI survey highlighted many bosses who found that they actually did their businesses planning travelling to work or during personal or family time.

Getting the balance right

So how do you achieve your balance? I once asked a client “If you’re the boss, run the company and make the decisions then why can’t you make the decision and give yourself clearance to take those two weeks holiday with your family”  Responsibility starts with you. Give your self time out. Don’t be a martyr they’re all dead – and nobody wants a ‘dead end job’.

As hard-working as athletes are their muscles build at times when they rest. It’s missing link to your creativity and energy. By setting aside time to plan for both your home and work life you can achieve your life and business goals.

Plan to succeed!

Here’s a simple version of a tool I use with individuals and business that may help you: Identify the most important areas of your life, and in your business. Rate each area out of ten as you see it now. Now in specific detail bullet-point what your ideal ten out of ten in each area would be like. This gives you a barometer of where you are now and where you want to be in life and business. It gives you insight into key areas for attention, and your current state of balance and fulfilment. From here you can steadily plan, check and achieve work and life goals.

Be yourself - change for the better

Pam, is an accomplished executive who I life coach. “I never intended to have a career. I always thought that I would have a family and be at home.”  

Getting trapped by routine, expectations and living life pursuing someone else’s definition of success and happiness had happened – it’s common. Pam has now negotiated to work part time and has her eyes on starting a family, pursing some pet projects and moving near the sea.  

Easy does it!

Finally, some quick n’ easy steps to help you balance your life / business.

At work:

1. Carve out a set quiet time each week to plan/review your business
2. Schedule time in your diary for your family, friends, interests & holidays
3. Have a thorough desk/file clear out monthly – it focuses you and can help ease the stress of feeling ‘drowned’ by work
4. Handle every piece of paper and email once wherever possible
5. Arrive and leave on time – sounds simple – make it a habit

If you work alone or find it tough then set an alarm so that you do it

6. Start/end the day with a clear desk – it reduces ‘back to work phobia’ 
7. Go out of your office (or home office) at lunch to ensure you take a break – more productive less stress.

At home:

• Have a home spring clean to calm, focus and improve your daily life
• Set 5 specific personal priorities for your life this and focus on them.
• Give all you haven’t used for over six months to friends or charity – it relieves you, helps others and allows space for new opportunities
• Take time out – give yourself half an hour alone to relax or focus on your life. Set time aside for loved ones.
• Eat a balanced diet and sleep well – this boosts energy and reduces stress
• Use your answerphone, and reduce wasted hours in front of the TV
• Drop all negative relationships – and only create positive ones.

A word about technology

Technology plans a huge part in our home and working lives. But it’s important that you manage it so it doesn’t rule you.

• Switch off mobiles and pagers when you’re off duty
• Set specific times for reading and responding to emails
• If you have pressing tasks to do, do them before being tied up online
• Set your watch or phone alarms to remind you when it’s time to break, lunch or end the day
• Review your technology /needs regularly to ensure it’s saving you time and not wasting your time.

 

About the author

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a life coach and business coach www.rasaru.com 020 7207 1082.

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