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Working productively: Balancing life and work

We live in a fast-forward world. For many people, there aren't enough hours in the day to do everything they need to do, let alone the things that they want to do. But you can make your own personal formula for balance by focusing on your goals, streamlining your activities, becoming more efficient and delegating effectively.

Many of us have learned to think of work as very important and personal aspirations as something to be fit in when -- and if -- work is finished. Forge a new set of standards for yourself, one in which your spiritual, social and physical needs count for as much as the need to advance yourself in your career.

Set goals
What would you do on a perfect day if you had no obligations except to yourself? Answering this question will help you stop thinking of achievement solely in terms of work. Perhaps your secret goal is to learn a new language, write a novel, compete in a triathlon or become an expert potter. Just be sure each of your goals is specific, measurable, realistic, attainable through action, limited in time and something you feel passionate about. If anything on your list does not meet these requirements, rework it or eliminate it.

Map out your goals
Write at least three action steps you will need to take to attain each goal, and set a realistic deadline for each step. Planning each phase will move you toward your goal one task at a time. A planning book can help you keep track of the steps you've accomplished, your daily lists and your appointments.

Consider the nuts and bolts
What supplies or equipment will you need? Where is the course you want to take offered? And how much time and money will you need to invest to succeed at your goal? Estimate how many hours a week your action steps will take. Use your planning book to block out time for working toward your goal.

Change some habits; make more time
Take a careful look at where you are spending your time. Then decide which activities you could drop altogether, which ones you could hire someone else to do and which ones you could make easier through organization.

Many busy working people double up on their chores to increase their efficiency. For example, paying bills while waiting at a doctor's office, making a shopping list while riding on a bus, or reading a trade magazine while riding the train to work. Be careful not to do chores on your scheduled down time. However, it is okay to combine two things that you find enjoyable and relaxing, such as taking a walk with your partner. This may meet both your exercise and stress reduction goals as well as your relationship goals.

Keep in mind that setting goals and choosing priorities are skills that grow. As you become more organized, learn to limit wasted time and start delegating tasks-- the quality of your life will change radically for the better. You'll feel in control rather than controlled by the calendar and clock.

This article is adapted from Ceridian's LifeWorks Online service. Contact your Ceridian representative for more information about Ceridian's health and productivity solutions.