Often I am confronted with the question, how do I create better work-life balance? Usually my response is along the lines of:

“Is it a better work-life balance you want — or is it life balance?”

I believe that work is only one component of life. Yes an important one, however one that too many spend their lifetime doing at the expense of everything else.

If you’re fed up, frustrated and tired then I want to suggest that you are exactly where you need to be, because you’re only one step away from turning things around. There is only one tiny thing stopping you — You! It’s true…After all you are in control of your own destiny.

Now hearing those words may be a real challenge for you, but the fact is that’s the reality. Take Richard Branson for example. How does one man achieve so much? He’s a man that knows how to get the job done and at the same time enjoy the journey.

I want to suggest that the secret to gaining greater balance in life is variety. What do I mean by that?

Well there are 24 hours in the day and it is up to us how we fill each of those hours. Ideally a nice blend between work, rest and play is what it’s all about. Bottom line is that if we are consistently doing too much of any of these things, this is where things get out of whack.

Here are 3 keys to building more variety into your life and achieving greater balance:

1. Be Methodical: break your day up into segments of 1 to 1/2 hour blocks

Make sure that you are not doing any one thing for too long before adding something in. For example — build in some exercise time in the morning, lunchtime or afternoon. Take the time out to enjoy breakfast or lunch with the family, friend or colleague. When travelling listen to some of your favourite music, radio show or use this time to learn something new by listening to an audio book or program. By doing this it’s amazing how much more productive you become

2. Be Deliberate: Be deliberate with your time and how you are using it

It’s your time no one else’s. Make sure that you’re filling your time with the things that are important to you. Life has a way of filling the void. If you leave space it will be filled with something. Ensure your time is being filled with things of your choice and things that will serve you best.

3. Be Accountable: Accountability is a good thing — be accountable to yourself first

Best position yourself for success by organising things throughout the week or the month that involve other people. Perhaps join a sporting team or arrange a regular social event. Maybe it is a regular family night or get together with friends. Doing this will ensure accountability because if you don’t turn up you will know about it.

The bottom line is “The Key to Balance in Life — Is Variety…” Make the conscious decision today to build more variety into your day. Begin to do more and notice the difference that this makes on both a personal and professional level.

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