Chained to your desk or handcuffed to the computer, getting out of the office at a reasonable hour can be the hardest task of the day. Or what about the briefcase or laptop you cannot wait to crack open at home once the coast is clear? Perhaps the boss expects such behavior or the corporate culture encourages it. While this may be true, the difficulty of leaving the office behind is often as much a personal issue. Buried in the complaints about huge workloads, responsibilities and demands on their time, many of the "I am overloaded" set want it just that way. For many, being this busy fuels their self esteem and feelings of being needed or may even be a result of perfectionism. Anyone you know? While my tips on time management will also be helpful, the following 10 Tips are designed to deliver strategies for balancing your life. But please be honest with yourself about what work means to you and if there are large personal costs attached to it.
1. Check Your Motives
First of all, decide: Do you really want to leave the office behind? Check and see if lurking around your complaints about huge workloads and demands on your time is also ambition, fulfillment, or healthy competition. None of this is bad if it does not "cost" you a lot. If it is "costing" you, read further. If not, stop complaining and enjoy yourself!
2. Analyze the Costs
So after some thought, you decide this love affair with the office really is "expensive." It is costing you time with your partner, children, friends, fitness plan, extracurricular activities, health. When is the last time you got your teeth cleaned?
3. Make a Decision
Have you heard the one about the guy who decided to change his life but could not decide when to start? Make a decision. Start today.
4. Make Plans in Advance
Get a life! Nothing like expensive theater tickets burning a hole in your pocket. Or make plans with friends or schedule a soothing massage. Give yourself something to look forward to.
5. Make a List
Okay, you are changing your ways and just need more tips. At the end of the day, empty your mind by making a list of things you will get to tomorrow. Leave it on your desktop for the next day.
6. Accept the Inevitable
There is always more to do. If you feel like you are always falling behind, assess if you need assistance with your workload or if you are having trouble saying no. If you need help with time management, read my tips on time and self-management.
7. Wrap Up Your Day
Schedule ten minutes at the end of your day to wind down. Use this time to straighten up your desk. Enjoy soothing music, an inspiring tape or CD. Thank yourself for doing your best today. Then, close your eyes and breathe for a few moments.
8. Transition Yourself
Create a sense of closure from the workday by visualizing the transition to new roles and personal responsibilities outside the office or at home.
9. Leave Yourself Messages
Waking up in the middle of the night with a forgotten to-do list item? Ruminating? No problem. Telephone your voice mail and leave yourself a message.
10. Think Bigger
Remind yourself that your whole life is bigger than the sum of its parts. Take classes. Volunteer. Join a reading club. Revitalizing activities will expand your horizons and make you more productive, effective and happy.
