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Hi, I’m Sylvie: a part-time server, student, and Botree’s Virtual Facilitator. Through trial and error, I’ve found ways to balance both work and personal life. Using these three tips, I’ve been able to maintain a high level of productivity and equity in my life.
Schedule, plan, and schedule some more
Unexpected deadlines and forgotten shifts can have a major impact on the flow of your week and your overall productivity. It is nearly impossible to keep track of all your responsibilities without a written schedule. By tracking weekly tasks with a calendar, I am easily able to align my priorities and set myself up for success. On weekends, I take a few moments to plan my schedule for the week ahead.
Seeing the workload distributed throughout the week allows me to make educated decisions on how I compartmentalize my time (i.e: “maybe I’ll have to start my essay earlier on Thursday so that I can get to work on time that night”). This simple organizational skill also helps minimize feelings of uneasiness when you’re unsure of what the next day holds. Don’t forget to set aside a slot for some you-time!
Eat the frog! Get more done in less time
Yes, I’ve heard they taste like chicken, but please, don’t take that literally. Your “frog” is your biggest, most important task of the day; the task that you are most likely to procrastinate on completing. Identify your frog, plan your execution, and then take action immediately!
Ultimately, there will never be enough time to do everything you want to do. By developing the habit of “eating” your biggest frog first thing in the morning, you are less likely to procrastinate on the smaller frogs as the day goes on. So in cases where you’re tired or overworked, tackling your biggest frog allows you to get more done in less time. It also ensures that you feel accomplished even if your smaller tasks are not met.
Downtime
I used to determine the success of my day by my level of work productivity. In doing this, I set a standard whereby I was only content if my task list was completed, even if that meant working on days off to complete overdue tasks.
Through working three jobs, I quickly realized that ignoring my need for rest was a one-way ticket to burnout. As I began to prioritize a healthy balance of work and rest, I noticed an increase in work productivity because I felt more engaged and energized. So whether it’s a peaceful hike with your pup or a lazy day near the pool with family, recognize your need to recharge and book a time slot in your schedule to unwind.
What tips do you have to balance work and personal life? Share your secrets in our comments!