We all feel the dread of returning to work after a vacation or even the weekend. I love what I do – at least most of it, so why do I feel this way? Why are vacations necessary? Why can’t we just turn off at the end of the day? Why do we expect so much and end up doing so little? Why are we always wasting time and energy checking email, social media, and analytics? Are we ever 100% focused? Are we present in the moment? My kids are always saying I’m not listening, because they are right. Since I have my own business I’m always working – I go into my home office to check something on the weekend and end up gone for a few hours. I’m always on my phone checking email, Facebook, and Twitter, but does this make me more productive? No, I don’t think so. We need to do what matters and stop wasting time. Several years ago my phone was just a phone, now it is an extension of me and my business, which means I am always working. We need to set boundaries and stick to them. This is hard because we are additive to technology! I know I am – l love my computer and phone! What would happen if we shut off our phone after 5pm and on the weekend? Or at least just used it as a phone for calling not surfing… Would this free up time and create a higher quality down time? What if we read an actual book instead of Facebook? What if during the work day we only checked our email a few times a day? Could we do all the things we think we don’t have time for?
A lot of questions, right? I’m going to make some changes and see what happens.
- My works will only be Monday – Friday and my day will end at 5pm (I sometimes work until 7 or 8pm)
- My phone will just be a phone after 5pm – maybe just check Facebook but no email or business stuff
- No games on my phone – I will carry a book with me if I have down time to fill (that is what I used to do)
- My phone will stay away from me when I’m relaxing and watching TV or reading
- I will shut off my notifications chime on my email or mute my computer so I don’t get notified for every email
- I will keep a list of things I wish to accomplish – this helps me stay on task
- I will not over extend myself and over promise, which leave me stressed and over worked
- I will stay present in the moment and not think about work 24/7
Although this seems impossible, I truly believe if I can do this I will achieved my “PURE Inspired Life”. A life were there is time for what matters. A life with some sort of balance. I know it will be hard - It is sort of like a diet because you want to cheat and slide back into old habits that you know are not good for you. But I'm going try and see what happens.
Great post. You are correct in thinking that you are not alone in this aspect! I too have been trying to balance work/personal life schedule, which is exceptionally hard since our business is in our house!
ReplyDeleteA few things I've done that have helped:
-NO work related materials are allowed outside of my office in the house.
-I disconnected my email accounts to my phone. Emails should be checked when I'm at my desk, not when I'm having coffee with a friend.
-I try to keep work hours (5 p.m. cut off) but that one is harder to stick to sometimes as there are often just not enough hours in the day!
-I've been trying to watch my time spent on social media (another difficult one!)
-But most importantly, I've started to schedule time aside for friends a family just like I would for an appointment or office hours. This really helps me make sure that I dedicate enough time and attention to my personal life with no interruptions.
Best of luck on your journey! I can't wait to hear how you progress.
I'm so happy you shared your ideas! I work from home too so I know how hard it is to separate, but I'm determined to make some changes! Love that you schedule family and fun time. You are right there are not enough hours in the day... But I want to stay realistic and not feel like I have to do it all :)
DeleteChina Women's ClothingI have to say that I think A would be adorable!! I can also see a shirt paired with a black and striped shirt :) I LOVE your projects. The dress looks fabulous!! I think they're all nice.
ReplyDeleteGreat Ideas........
ReplyDeleteThanks
Lovely post. I really liked your ideas.
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