Have you ever found yourself doing business on a cell phone during your kid’s ballgame? Or taking a briefcase full of work on vacation?
In our quest to succeed professionally, it is easy to place time for personal and family activities in the back of our minds.
One way I achieved a better balance in my life was to give personal appointments the same treatment I give business meetings. By scheduling “focus time” to participate in personal activities such as my kids’ athletic events, weddings, graduations and reunions on my calendar as far in advance as possible, I avoid potential conflicts between personal and business appointments.
For instance, I knew in early September that my youngest daughter’s graduation from high school is June 4, 2006, the week before the MDRT Annual Meeting. That date is already on my calendar, and I’m relieved to know that these two very important events are not in conflict!
Another example is my relationship with my son, who plays midfield (a/k/a "Midi") for the Gettysburg College lacrosse team. They have the potential to make it all the way to the NCAA Division III National championship this season. When the schedule for the season came out in December, I placed every game (including the NCAA playoffs) on my calendar. Whenever feasible I schedule my travel connections via Washington D.C. and rent a car to travel two hours each way to be there in the stands so my son knows that even though Dad is serving MDRT, he is still Dad's priority.
Scheduling focus time on my calendar has made me better organized, more balanced and a happier person, which in turn has even made me a more productive professional.
Please take a moment to share with us techniques that have helped you achieve better work/life balance. How has it made a difference in your personal and professional life?
