A balanced life: key to success and productivity at work

If you have struggled to be productive at work by motivating yourself, and still fail miserably, then you can relate to this.

Yielding better results at work might not have anything to do with work per se.  The root cause of low productivity can stem from your health, relationship or a financial issue that is dangling over your head, making it difficult to concentrate and be effective.

When life is busy and energies are focused on a special project, one can easily get “off-balance,” or not give adequate attention to other Life Areas.  While drive and concentration are essential to get work done, taking it too far can lead to frustration and intense stress.

WHAT is a “BALANCED LIFE”?

7 AREAS OF LIFE:

1. Well Being
   1. Spiritual Life - Individuals who strive for a strong interior life by practicing their faith have longer, healthier and happier lives
   2. Character Development – values, attitudes and good habits that equip an individual to handle life’s challenges
2. Relationships
   The quality of relationships with family members and friends
3. Personal Development
   Dreams and goals are doorways that fuel your passion
4. Fun and Creativity
   Leisure time, a fitness plan and a healthy diet are necessary to stay fit and have energy for all your activities.
5. Physical Environment
   1. A clean comfortable home as your escape from the rest of the world
   2. A work space with facilities & equipment to get work done
   3. A community that provides a safe place to conduct business; and in return, your personal contribution (giving back) to the betterment of society
6.  Finances
   A satisfying level of income provides financial independence
7. Career
   A positive career path offers challenge and fulfillment

WHY do you need LIFE BALANCE?

1. ALL Life Areas are IMPORTANT and REINFORCE each other
   All Life Areas are connected.  Productivity at work can be achieved when you have a good relationship with co-workers. Family Life can be enhanced when you have good health and vitality.
2. A problem in one area can be caused by other areas
   The opening scenario of this article is one clear example.
3. By managing ALL Life Areas…We take charge of our life.
   One culprit of stress is the lack of control over our lives.  By neglecting any life area, we give up that control.
4. We can achieve happiness TODAY
   We all have a very simple choice in life:  Be happy today or postpone it for some indefinite time in the future.  By avoiding balance, we delay our own happiness.

HOW can you achieve LIFE BALANCE?

3 simple steps:

1. List down activities you can do to improve EACH Life Area. Be specific.
2. Consider activities that can overlap and stretch across several Life Areas, i.e. Joining a marathon can improve relationship & fun/recreation Life Areas.
3. Select activities you want to start doing for EACH Life Area TODAY!

Tip:  No matter how minor the activity, for as long as you advance in each life area, you will make progress and experience a degree of balance in your life. 

BALANCED LIFE …a sure way to be productive and successful.  As you grow and develop, you will see new opportunities, deepen relationships with significant others, add value to your company and create a meaningful existence.

Related articles:

Job Satisfaction
How do I Manage My Salary?
Give Yourself a Break: Take Time off from Work

MARICEL MORENO-LARAYA is a Certified Professional Life Coach.  She is a member of the International Coach Federation (Phils.).  Areas of strength: Family Life, Parenting, Personal & Professional Goals, Life & Career Transitions

What’s on your mind? You may email me at maricel_laraya@yahoo.com