How to Plan for Better Work-Life Balance
In previous work-life balance articles like this one, this one, and this one, we’ve discussed what a healthy work-life balance can be, boundaries, and time management. A topic very close to time management is planning. The power of effective planning is essential to work-life balance. Today, we’ll use the setting of a dinner party to illustrate some ways to sharpen your planning skills.
First, identify the true objective—YOUR objective, that will serve you best. Do you really want that dinner party to turn out just like what your grandma used to throw, or do you want it to be a dinner party that you can relax in and truly enjoy? It’d be misguided to place your focus on fancy canapes when the objective should be to celebrate someone’s birthday.
Look at your goal(s) and consider if they are doable and actionable. We want a lot of things but often fail to recognize that they are varying degrees of possible. Identify areas that you need to put big effort into and what you can make easier. You’ve probably heard the phrase “work smarter, not harder.” That roast might need 3 hours no matter what, but while it’s cooking, it’d be a good idea to have other ingredients already prepped.
There may be spots where you need help, so plan to ask. Are there things you can or should delegate? Do that first so you don’t get in over your head when things get busy. Maybe someone else needs to make the drinks or set the table. There’s nothing wrong with buying a pre-made charcuterie board. A prime way to figure out where you might need help is to identify your resources. Do you have enough funds? Enough room? Enough cake?
Identify what to emulate. What did you like about other dinner parties you’ve been to? Did that one restaurant have amazing lighting? Did they serve something that can be recreated, or ordered from the same place? Do you know someone who always seems put together? Don’t envy them, ask them!
Different perspectives are worth their weight in plutonium.
What’s your contingency plan? What if things go wrong? If the fondant won’t set, there’s nothing wrong with canned buttercream. Sprinkles can be just as festive as flowers. These points merge into each other in some places. Putting together a contingency plan merges with figuring out if your plans are actionable and what your resources are.
If you’re too depressed and tired to even consider throwing a dinner party (we’re still using it as an illustration), talk to your doctor first, then talk to us. If you’re too anxious to throw a dinner party or maybe even attend someone else’s, talk to your doctor first, then talk to us. Write to us on our website
or call us at (585) 442-6960.
