Part 2: Bringing Value & Productivity to Work While Balancing Life
There’s no reason you can’t bring value to your job, stay productive, and still enjoying the rest of your life. Whether you enjoy your job or feel overwhelmed by it, your career is not your identity and it’s still essential to strike a balance that allows you to experience everything else life has to offer.
Of course, you might be thinking that’s easier said than done. How can you give your all at work while balancing life? Can you still be productive without devoting all your free time to your job?
Absolutely.
Let’s cover a few practical ways to continue bringing value and productivity while also living your life to the fullest.
Focus On One Thing at a Time
One of the reasons many people tend to feel overwhelmed at work is that they are balancing many tasks at once. When you focus on one thing at a time, you’re more likely to do a better job, be more productive, and still know when it’s time to quit so you can go home and enjoy your life.
If you’re not sure how to improve your focus, make a list each day. Put the most important or biggest tasks at the top of your list and work your way down. When you have a “plan” in place for each workday, you’ll be surprised by how much you can get done, and you’re likely to feel a greater sense of accomplishment by the end of the day.
Communicate Your Boundaries
There’s a difference between being productive and taking on too much. It’s okay to say “no” to things at work that aren’t your responsibility or don’t require your immediate attention.
If work keeps piling up, consider talking to your employer about how you can develop a balanced professional environment so you can have more bandwith for important tasks. You can get a lot done without having to constantly feel overwhelmed. If you’ve consistently taken on too much work, people might be used to it. It’s up to you to break those patterns and set boundaries in the workplace so you can stay focused on important tasks and still have a life away from the office.
Prioritize Self-Care
You should be practicing self-compassion and self-care in and out of work. When you take care of yourself, you’ll also learn to value yourself. You’ll take more pride in the things you do, and you’ll do them with more confidence. That will result in greater productivity and more efficiency in the workplace. It will also keep you from feeling burnt out by the end of every day.
Self-care looks different for everyone. It might include exercising every day, cooking a healthy meal, or journaling. Find something to do each day that focuses on your well-being and reduces your stress.
Ask For More Flexibility
Remote work has seen a sharp rise in popularity over the last few years. It has its pros and cons, but if you’re someone who thrives on being around a comfortable, familiar space, consider asking your employer for more flexibility. That might mean working from home or considering a hybrid option.
Doing so can cut back on your commute, so you’ll have more free time with friends and family. It can also put you in a more creative headspace, so you’ll get more done each day.
As you can see, you don’t have to burn the candle at both ends to bring value and productivity to work. Set your priorities, take action, and don’t hesitate to fight for flexibility and a better balance. You can enjoy your life to the fullest and still experience a fulfilling, successful career.
Sometimes it can be hard to change patterns on our own. A professional counselor can be a huge help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you!