As a proponent of Work Life Balance (despite those who aren’t a fan of it), I have found myself also enamored with Work Life Blend, and its benefits. Work Life Blend (click here for more on Work Life Blend) is a newer view on how one can juggle both their personal and professional life. By blending your work with your off-the-clock life, you can enjoy the best of both worlds so to speak. Instead of separating the work from the other parts of your life, Work Life Blend allows you to meander between all areas, giving a healthier, more well-rounded life according to some experts. Work Life Balance and Work Life Blend both have their pros and cons—however I am a big believer of taking these tools and making them fit for your own lifestyle. I think both of these methods and movements can create a better life for those of us who wear a variety of hats. I’ve come up with a list of 6 Work Life Blend Resolutions You Need to Keep that can help better your career while giving you a happy and fulfilling personal life.
Check out my list below.
1. Set Boundaries, But Strike When the Iron Is Hot
Work Life Blend doesn’t mean that you don’t have boundaries. It means that you work to help blend all segments of your life within reason. If it is 4am in the morning and you haven’t slept all night while working, then you should probably get some rest so you can work at the highest level possible. That is a boundary. But let’s say it is 8pm and your spouse wants to spend time with you, but you have an idea that can’t wait. Work Life Blend says that you should strike while the iron is hot, even at 8pm. You can work while on your laptop watching you and your spouse’s favorite television show, blending the two. When an idea is fresh, you don’t want to lose it, and you don’t want to miss spending time with your spouse, So this resolution says work within reason—8pm at night is certainly within reason. 4am in the morning, perhaps is not.
2. Don’t Feel Guilty Talking About Work During “Off” Hours
If you are a visionary like me, your mind is probably always on, thinking about the next step, idea, or move you will make professionally. And there is nothing wrong with that. Work Life Balance dictates that you do dedicate time being “off” because it is a healthy thing to do (and I am a strong believer of unplugging). But there are instances where it is okay to talk about work during “off” hours or downtime. I used to feel guilty about doing this, but not anymore. As long as it doesn’t impede on other items in your life, talking about work during off hours can be a good thing.
3. There’s No Such Thing as Too Many Goals
Load up on your goals. Create a vision board, gratitude journal, to-do list, and work with accountability partners. Work Life Blend encourages you to be your best self, blending all of the parts of your life. Have your spouse of loved ones get involved with your goal setting by letting them in on your goals. Setting your bar high can be overwhelming, but it also can fuel you to move forward to accomplish things you never thought you would. Don’t be afraid to aim high.
4. Work On Vacation (Sorta)
Let me start off with an example. Last year during a personal trip I was taking, I was asked to be a guest on Huffington Post Live. I wanted to say no because, well, I was on vacation. But the subject matter was something that was near and dear to me (career focused) and of course, it was another opportunity to reach a new audience. So I ended up being a part of the segment while I was on vacation. It took about 3o minutes of time during my trip (not much prep time was needed), and it didn’t stop any major plans I was participating in at the time. So, yes, by all means, if you are on vacation, don’t spend the entire time working. It’s a vacation. But if work does come up, then, just do it. Give yourself the okay.
5. Miss Work Just Because
If you have the type of career where you can work just about anywhere, then who’s to say you can only be productive while in the office. Phone in, even if it is for one day out of the year, and work from home. If you have spouse or kids, they may appreciate spending the extra time with you. Miss work just because. The office will be there when you get back.
6. Work Smarter & Harder
One of my favorite sayings in 2013 was Work Smarter, Not Harder. But you know what? That isn’t always true. Those that work the smartest and the hardest often get their success in the end. Why? Because when you are working smarter, you are working harder. You are making the most of your time and are being as productive as possible. So aim to do both. In the end, you will be better for it.
Here’s to making 2014 the best yet, personally, professionally, and financially. Let me know what you think of my 6 Work Life Blend Resolutions You Need to Keep. And if you have any to add, use the comment section.
For more on Work Life Blend, click here.
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