You’re living in a fast-paced world at work, taking on more stressful assignments, while hoping to move up the career ladder in your company. And while it’s commendable to strive to get ahead, there is also some inherent danger in the pursuit. All work and no play do not always lead to success that is long-term and sustainable.
Many studies over the years have shown that workers who have a proper balance between their work and personal lives are better and happier at their jobs, while those who do not are prone to higher levels of stress and lower productivity.
Here are a few work/life tips for you to consider if you want to get to the top and stay there:
Set priorities
Determine what you want your priorities to be instead of what you or someone else thinks they should be. When you have your preferences written down, it’s easier to align the rest of your life with them.
Do one thing at a time
We’ve all seen the stories, on television and in film, of the workaholic who is multitasking with a phone to his ear, an eye on the computer and the Wall Street Journal propped open on his desk. It’s impressive to see this kind of ambition in action. But there’s one problem: It only works in the world of make-believe. In the real world, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Concentrate on one thing at a time, and do it well. When you’re away from work, give 100 percent of yourself to your family and friends. At work, give everything to your job.
Eliminate wasted time in your day
Keep a ledger of how you spend your time. Do this for a few days, and you’ll probably find you’re doing things that don’t matter all that much to you or don’t support your priorities. Get rid of them or delegate them if you can.
Respect your time off
Unless there is an emergency at work, your private time should be sacrosanct. Stay away from your computer and cell phone while you’re on vacation. You can’t relax when you continuously concern yourself with the day-to-day issues of work. If you’re at your daughter’s softball game, only a disaster at the office should keep you from enjoying it.
Get into some healthy habits
If you aren’t sleeping enough, eating right or exercising daily, you’ll be undermining any other efforts you’re making toward leading a balanced life. Make time for fitness, get 7-8 hours of sleep each night and stay away from foods that aren’t nourishing your body correctly.
Don’t be afraid to say “no”
When you give in to every request that comes your way, it can throw you out of balance. If something doesn’t fit into your schedule or match up with your priorities, don’t take it on.
Let us help you find a company that promotes a work/life balance
Contact Pro Resources for the light industrial or technical/professional position you’re hoping to find. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, so let us use our expertise to help you find your next job.