by Derek Oxley

Created on: January 17, 2011

Understanding work life balance is a simple concept to grasp; implementing it our lives seems to be the difficult part.  We're internally conflicted between work and play.  A part of us wants to be at home while we are at work and when were at work we feel guilty about being at home; this constant mental traveling is draining.  The key to resolving the conflict is to work while we are at work and play while were at play. "All work and no play makes Jane a dull girl".  According to Stephan Covey, in order for Jane to stay sharp she needs time to sharpen her saw.  

Covey tells the story of a lumber jack who was busy sawing a tree down, with sweat dripping from the lumber jacks face a passerby asked why he didn't stop and sharpen the saw-the lumber Jack said he was too busy to stop.  That philosophy is analogous to driver on the highway who is too busy driving to stop for gas-eventually he will run out of gas.  Taking a moment to sharpen his saw would increase his efficiency and decrease his stress.  Confusing activity for productivity contributes to our internal frustration.  When our daily activities are aligned with our overall purpose we are able to leave work with a clear conscious.

With the unemployment rate hovering around 10%, many are seeking to recession proof their jobs by working more hours.  Contributing more at work and neglecting your family and your personal needs is a prescription for disaster.  Arguments brew time bombs are set and stress levels are increased when you choose to lead an unbalanced life.

Balance is the key to leading a productive life.  Attending to the various aspects of our lives makes the road we travel on smoother. Spending time with our loved ones contributes to  the development of our social and family life.  Making time to include some sort of spiritual development pays huge dividends that are reaped in other aspects of your life.  Managing your financial resources correctly will put you at ease. 

We are all one integrated system and when we're balanced our overall productivity increases in every area.  Effective basket ball players work on different aspect of their game during practice in preparation for the season. To be effective players in life we need time to develop the various aspects of our lives beyond the scope of work-if we intend to lead balanced lives.   

Learn more about this author, Derek Oxley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.