The Better Work Life
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So, one of the questions we get around here…a lot…is how to get a better life. That is, a better work life. Here are some random thoughts on this:
1. Not everyone loves their job, but there’s a work around - in this economy, having a job is great. If you love it, even better. But if you don’t and really can’t change right now (even if you’re actively looking), you can always improve the quality of your life by surrounding yourself more with your passions. I often ask people what they’re caught doing in their free time for clues about passions. For example, one person I met with recently loves sports. So, in the risk of trying to be everything to every one, I suggested to this person they focus on the sports industry here in town through their work. This creates a win-win, both for the company and the person. Even though in this case, s/he dug her/his job, it is still better to focus on personal passions, because you’ll be more engaged that way. I actually really dig this blog entry on why passion is important.
2. Network cubed - seriously - those who are good at what they do also know its not what you know, but who you know that can make the difference. We all know that the best jobs out there in the universe are never advertised either. So, make it a point to meet someone new each and every day if you can, or once a week. Just make it measurable, and just get out and do it. In this economy, it really is that important. In Indy, there are a ton of places to network - personal and professional (and besides, you are you–the worlds of personal and professional just aren’t separate anymore…)
3. Sharpen your other saws - leadership training, not for profit/volunteer training, training on how to run for office and make an even bigger difference….these are all offered in central Indiana for reasonable fees. An example is Leadership United - they are currently taking applications for all 4 of their leadership training series for the year. Check all of them out (we even have a list of them in the Indy guide) and go for it! Your employer should be supportive of it too, because it is going to make you a more productive and valuable employee.
4. Balance is BS - it really is. I hate the word “balance” because we always end up beating ourselves up over it - if I’m at work, I should be home with my kids. If I’m at home, I should be working out. If I’m here, I really should be there. Quit beating yourself up! Balance should only be under your own personal construct of what you WANT to have in your life at the time…and things change! A mom with little kids off to school is going to have changing priorities, and a young professional who just got hitched might have changing priorities. Just be sure that your personal balance fits and matches your personal form(s) of happiness, and screw what the rest of the world thinks - really! Better yet, substitute the word “balance” with the word “happiness”. And if you’re happy for the time being - cool!
Posted on: Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 9:18 am 
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