InSite & Solutions

Each month we'll focus on providing useful strategies for meeting challenges at work AND at home. We'll provide tips on dealing with time management, work-life balance, stress, difficult personal and professional relationships, communication, and more! If there's something you'd like us to cover, please send in your questions, ideas and comments.

This issue will focus on Work-Life Balance, and provide concrete strategies for meeting the demands at work and in your personal life.

Our "Labor Pain" section answers the questions you've e-mailed us about work-related challenges. Just click on the title(s) of any article that interests you, and.....Enjoy!

So often we hear about organizing our time differently
in order to create greater work/life balance...
but there is another, more important component to creating balance...

DEFINING YOUR VALUES AND PRIORITIES

Today, an increasing number of professionals are experiencing burnout, low productivity, insomnia, and stress-related illnesses…undoubtedly due to a lack of balance between their work and personal lives. For example, the ABA has reported that the desire for more time to meet personal and family needs is one of the major reasons lawyers consider leaving the legal profession.

The most commonly reported obstacle to a balanced life is the sheer number of hours many of us are required to work. Although many firms communicate their desire to assist employees in this area, the structure and demands of the work environment  are often contradictory.

Living a balanced life will require making some serious decisions about how you want to live your life. Ultimately, these decisions will lead to changes, which will help you to create a healthier lifestyle that reflects your priorities.

The #1 Component in Creating Life Balance

Most experts who write about creating balance recommend that you manage your time better or begin making time for self-care. Although this may be part of achieving balance, the most important component is developing an understanding of your personal and professional values and priorities.

Balance is about making intentional choices, on a daily basis, which reflect your personal values and priorities. Therefore, to achieve balance, you’ve got to have a clear sense of what’s most important for you to have in your life. Once you have this information, as you move throughout your day you’ll have an idea of what commitments will move you closer to or further away from your values and priorities.  

What looks like balance to one person may differ for another because individuals have different goals, values and definitions of success.  However, there are some common definitions of balance, which include:

• Having a sense that there is enough time in the day to effectively accomplish work-related tasks
• The ability to get through our daily work and family responsibilities without feeling drained
• Having the ability to participate in activities we enjoy on a regular basis.

Although the concepts around achieving balance are simple, actually achieving balance isn’t easy, yet it is worthwhile.

Would you like to take the Life Balance Assessment? If you find that you could use some work in the area of work-life balance, come back and check out our helpful tips in the adjoining box...

Don't Know Where to Start? You recognize that your life is out of balance, but you aren't sure what to do about it.  Read about 6 Steps to get you on your way......

Ready to Take Action?
CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE OPTIONS!

If you’d like to talk about how coaching might help, or if you’d like to schedule a complimentary 30 minute coaching session, click here, or call the office at 704.814.6135. We are equipped to serve clients all over the United States.

To learn more about coaching, click here:

Would you be interested in connecting with collegues interested in creating greater balance? Esq. will be hosting Group Coaching Teleclasses. For additional information about start dates, please call 704.814.6135, or send an e-mail.

Would you like to read more about work-life balance? Then check out these books!

LABOR PAINS
is devoted to addressing your work-related challenges. Readers asked:

QUESTION:  My husband and I are expecting our first child. The problem is that I work for a demanding male manager. Most other women in our department who've recently had kids feel pressure to take off as little time as possible. I'm committed to moving up in the company but I'm also committed to spending this time with our new baby. How do I take the leave I deserve and am entitled do without compromising my career?

ANSWER: Your first priority is to keep in mind that you are entitled to maternity leave. The standard set by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, for employers with 50 or more employees, is up to 12 unpaid weeks during a 12 month period for the birth and care of a newborn child. Verify your company's maternity leave policy. Next, set up a meeting with your manager and clearly communicate your professional objectives. Let him know that although you're committed to the health and well-being of your child, that you're also committed to meeting expectations and advancing your career. Be sure to be clear about your boundaries while you're on leave. Next, develop a "delegation plan" before you leave. This plan will  facilitate a smooth transition, and ensure that things get done while you're on leave. Finally, enjoy your time off!

In Closing

'In this age, we believe there's a short cut to
everything. The greatest lesson to be learned is that the
most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest.'
  — Henry Miller

Warmly, Jatrine Bentsi-Enchill, J.D.

voice: 704 814-6784
web: http://www.InsiteCoach.com

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