Eight questions to re-evaluate what balance means to you

Take a few moments to consider an essential question: “What does work-life balance mean to you?” I can imagine the answer you give will have changed over the past 12-months. Not only have the events of the world shone a stark light on our wellbeing, it has also reprofiled where and when so many of us work. There may have been other individual life changes through this time; pregnancy, babies, redundancy or health challenges. All of this has contributed to what many are calling the “great resignation”. Regardless of the reason you are here, these eight questions will help you re-evaluate what balance means to you.

I usually work with clients’ decades into their working life. Unsurprisingly during coaching, we look at balance; frequently it’s the first time in their working life they have even considered they are in control of these elements. Yet they can tell me exactly where things are going wrong. 

 I’ve spent time recently with a unique group of people working on their work-life balance; Degree students who are at the cusp of their careers. Imagine for a moment, the impact of having these conversations at the beginning of your career. To enter the world of work knowing your values, what you need to build resilience and balance your life. It changes expectations. 

 There is some great news. It is never too late to take some time to pay attention to what balance means to you. I have been running this business now for six years. I can tell you now, hand on heart, that my view on balance has changed over that time. Whilst the value I attached to balance has remained the same, the HOW this appears in my life has shifted. This is impacted by many things; the age of my kids, shifting priorities, client needs and technology development. 

Oh, and a global pandemic. 

Understanding your definition of balance is only the first step in the process of consciously nudging the different aspects of your life to keep it in place. You want to be not only noticing how this is showing up in your life but asking yourself if that version of balance is still relevant and possible.

Life gets in the way of our goals sometimes. More often than not, as it progresses, it changes the way we interact with them.

Often, when we feel unbalanced it is linked to rigid expectations, and not responding to the changes in our lives; making those balance goals defunct. 

So, how does this work in real life? 

It won’t surprise you to learn I am going to provide you with a few questions to help you re-evaluate your balance right now. Got your pen and paper? OK, so let us begin:

1. What does a good working day look like?
2. What does a good week look like? 
3. Who else does your life touch? 
4. What are you in control of?
5. What do you have to let go of?
6. If your life was to be the same, this time next year, how would it feel?
7. What do you want to have, be and/do more of?
8. What do you need to lose and gain to make that happen?

Don’t forget to take a few moments to review your answers and revisit them on different days. What changes and what stays consistent? 

There you have a brief introduction to the power of coaching. I expect you to come to this blog for some career guidance, but I hope you have uncovered that you already have most of the answers in place. By taking the time to re-evaluate what balance means to you NOW, considering the impact of your recent life experiences, you create the balance that works for your life RIGHT NOW.

You may find you are holding yourself back by clinging to the definition of balance from a world that doesn’t exist anymore. However, by doing this work now, future you will thank you!

If you are looking for a supportive community to help create a career to enjoy, with regular coaching Q&A sessions, a place to share and our monthly personal development book club, find the Facebook Group here.