What work-life balance means to me

When I mention that I'm a work-life balance advocate, people often inquire about what that actually entails. The concept of work-life balance can vary from person to person, but for me, it's all about prioritising myself and my loved ones. Over the course of my career, which has been both long and rewarding, I've had the privilege of experiencing the many facets of the working world. Looking back, if I could do it all over again, there's one thing I wish I had done differently: dedicating more time to nurturing my personal life and well-being. Unfortunately, the relentless demands of work often left me constantly juggling, and in the process, I missed out on some of life's most precious moments.

Here are ten invaluable lessons that work-life balance has taught me, and if I had the chance, I would wholeheartedly embrace them:

1) Setting Clearer Personal Boundaries In the pursuit of success, it's easy to lose track of time and let work spill into every aspect of life. I would tell myself that it's okay to set clear boundaries, to establish a cutoff point after which work can wait. It's not necessary to toil until midnight, sacrificing precious rest and personal time.

2) Decision-Making That Prioritises My Needs Reflecting on my journey, I realise the importance of making decisions that prioritise my own needs and expectations. Sometimes, I would prioritise work commitments over personal ones, neglecting my own desires and aspirations. I would change that, ensuring that my choices align with my personal goals and well-being.

3) Emphasizing Quality Time with Family One of my biggest regrets is not spending enough quality time with my children. They grow up astonishingly fast, and in the relentless rush of work, I often missed significant moments. If I could do it all over again, I would place a greater emphasis on nurturing those precious family bonds, being intentional about creating lasting memories.

4) Rediscovering Date Nights In the whirlwind of work, I forgot the significance of date nights with my significant other. These moments of connection and intimacy are essential to maintaining a healthy relationship. I would ensure that we have more date nights, where we can rekindle the spark that brought us together in the first place.

5) Worrying Less About Finances The constant worry about bills and financial stability consumed me at times. While financial responsibility is important, it shouldn't overshadow life's other joys. I would strive to find a healthier balance between financial stability and enjoying the present moment.

6) Investing in My Well-Being Self-care and well-being are often overlooked in the pursuit of career goals. I would make it a priority to invest more time in maintaining my physical and mental health. After all, a balanced life begins with a healthy, happy self.

7) Embracing the Beauty of Our Planet Amidst the hustle and bustle, I rarely took the time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. I would make it a point to reconnect with nature, to truly marvel at the wonders of our planet, and find solace in its serenity.

8) Listening to Stories From the Elders I now understand the importance of taking the time to sit down with elders and listen to their stories. Their wisdom and experiences are invaluable, and I would ensure that I cherish these moments, preserving their memories for generations to come.

9) Prioritising Time With Friends In the chaos of life, I often postponed coffee or drink meet-ups with friends, some of whom I've lost touch with over the years. These connections are treasures, and I would make it a point to nurture those friendships, rekindling old bonds and creating new memories.

10) Embracing the Power of "No" Lastly, I would learn to embrace the power of saying "no" when necessary. It's okay to decline additional work or commitments that threaten to disrupt the delicate balance between work and personal life. Saying "no" can empower us to safeguard our well-being and maintain that vital equilibrium.

As I reflect on these lessons, I'm reminded that the pursuit of work-life balance is an ongoing journey, and it's never too late to make positive changes. Is there anything you would change in your own pursuit of work-life balance?