Finding my balance …

Before i had my daughter , i never really bothered about balance. It just wasn’t anything that i needed to worry about. This changed seventeen months ago. I could no longer come and go as i pleased as there was a little girl who was soley depended on me.

The past seventeen months have taught me some key lessons. I have no doubt I will continue to learn more in the coming years. Today I will share some of my learnings. I acknowledge that coping mechanisms differ but I am sure you will glean something for your own journey.

1.Delegate to capable others both at work and at home. It’s pointless trying to be hero when it results on you burning out. At home it’s  starts with trusting others enough to allow them to help. At work it offers others a chance to learn and an opportunity for you to groom a successor for when you move higher.

2. Stop feeling guilty. Most working women will feel guilty about leaving their children at home and missing on key moments. When they are home they again worry about being at home and what could be happening at the office. Guilt is not a useful emotion. Find comfort in knowing that your work allows you /should allow you to live the life you want. If you cannot get past the guilt then it’s time to make some serious decisions.

3. Make a to do list either daily or weekly. I have found this truly helpful. It ensures nothing falls between the cracks, like forgetting to take the baby for that important innoculation/ immunization or missing the important client meeting. This is much easier with the type of technology we have these days so reminders should be set ahead of time.

4. Allow for rest periods in your to do list.  When at work take a walk around the block and get some fresh air. At home have some time for yourself without any interruptions.

5. Know that you can do it!  I have examples of close friends around me who are balancing just fine.  Having the positive outlook to it is a great start.  In the final year of my MBA I was expecting our daughter, doing my research dissertation, going to work daily and still playing other roles in my life (wife, sister, daughter in law …). I made it through and was even the best MBA student for my year. If I can do it,  so can you.

There are other things you can do to find your work life balance. I have shared what has worked for me.  I would love to hear from you how you are managing.  Let’s stay on the journey together.