Work-life harmony

Are you feeling overwhelmed? On the verge of burning out?

Life can often feel like a constant juggling act, trying to manage work, family, relationships, school, friends, and other responsibilities. It’s no secret that life c aan be overwhelming at times, but with all the beautiful experiences it offers, finding harmony is essential.

These days, our work and personal lives are increasingly intertwined, with work happening in our personal spaces and our well-being impacted by our jobs and careers more than ever. Somebody says, “When you work hard and do a good job, you will certainly be rewarded with more jobs and work to do.”

Clients have realized that the phrase “work-life balance” is unattainable. And I believe so. Today, the phrase “work-life harmony” is more sensible. Harmony is the integration of personal and work tasks that comes into play.

In her book “The Elevation Approach,” Tina Wells provides healthy tips for achieving work-life harmony.

Go for long-term joy and not for short-term happiness

After my corporate life, I have worked as an entrepreneur for many decades. And it took me many years to realize a critical lesson I want to share with you. Success doesn’t have to involve working yourself to exhaustion. There is a big difference between happiness and joy.

As the famous motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said many years ago, “Happiness depends on happenings while joy is that state of well-being that is intrinsic and wells up within the individual.”

Joy is a deep, long-lasting, and involuntary feeling of delight when we’re doing or experiencing something. Happiness is short-term, fleeting, and often circumstantial.

I may have received a big bonus, which makes me happy, but deep down inside, I may also feel miserable doing the work I am paid to do. But seeking joy in your everyday life will help you sustain yourself even when you’re doing challenging things. You know that the result will bring you delight. Understanding the difference would not make you make the mistake of pursuing joy and quitting your job because you are unhappy. You know that doing difficult work now and doing your best could lead you to the joy and delight of meaningful work that brings in the success that is not a one-off event but sustainable success.

Take time to reflect

When you get stressed about a task, take a moment to reflect before jumping in. When faced with a challenge or a tough situation, many freeze or jump too quickly into problem-solving mode.

Instead, you would take a moment to get curious about the issue at hand. Ask yourself questions about the scenario, ponder possible outcomes, and gather information.

What would I do about the situation?

Do I know anyone else who has gone through the challenge I am faced with?

What is the worst thing that could happen in this situation?

What is the best outcome?

Asking these questions can help you figure out a game plan before starting. Asking for wise counsel can help you develop a game plan to deal with a difficult situation.

Always be willing to let go

Success isn’t always marked by achievement. Success may also mean the ability to let go.

While you may have momentary pleasure, it may lead to long-term pains. There may be activities you love to do, but they add little value to your long-term success. Other activities (or even friends and people) may add stress to you and consume a lot of your time and attention. Your hobbies may drag you down. Even your friends and the company of people you associate with can prevent you from achieving greater success.

It has been said that your friends can be the “wind beneath your wings,” or they can also be the “anchor around your feet.”

Work-life harmony is crucial in today’s society, where personal and professional lives are closely intertwined. Knowing how it works promotes productivity, enhances overall well-being, and simultaneously helps you achieve personal and professional goals.

Here are thoughts from the giants in their industry or craft that is worth reflecting on:

“Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management.” – Betsy Jacobson, author and businesswoman

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” – Dolly Parton, singer

“Consistently working late is not necessarily a sign of a hard worker, but rather the inability to use time wisely.” – Victor Bretting, entrepreneur

“You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.” –  Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker.

(Francis Kong’s podcast “Inspiring Excellence” is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google, or other podcast streaming platforms).