It's tough...I'm not going to lie. It's even tougher today when both partners or spouses work full time, then there's the juggling of caring for children, household chores, errands, etc.
In today's digital age, there is an increase in opportunities to work from home. This is great, as it allows people to be at home, save on commuting time and costs, and maybe even daycare in some situations. However, there is also a downside to this. When we rely on computer access, email, and cell phone communications to do our jobs, it can be difficult to know when to shut it down for the night. It's easy to think, "oh, I'll just check my email really quick..." and then suddenly you've got a fire to put out, a phone call to make, and then all your personal relaxation time at night or on the weekends is gone.
Have you ever heard the phrase, "there are just not enough hours in the day?" Of course you have. You probably say it every day. In fact, this statement is untrue. There are plenty of hours in the day, but we just try and do too much. Societal and career demands are almost nearly impossible. Think about it, a 35 or 40 hour work week isn't enough? Are you kidding? People will tell you it's too much.
However, the unfortunate thing is most of us don't even "work" 40 hour work weeks...no, many times it's more like 70 or 80. That's just doing work. Nevermind the essentials in life, such as exercise, eating, or sleep. Who has time for sleep?
So how do we deal with it? Yes, multitasking works. As an experienced project manager, I personally have perfected the art of multitasking. But realistically, how do we deal with it? It takes some habit-breaking, but you've got to draw a fine line between when work starts and ends, and where your personal time begins.
- Work a set number of hours each day. Make a list of priority items that need to get done, or deadlines that need to be met, if you have to. Once those are taken care of, not only do you feel accomplished, but you should feel good about closing the laptop, shutting off your phone, and making yourself unavailable. If any emergencies arise, they'll be there tomorrow.
- Pace yourself. Set manageable goals each day. Don't try and tackle too much, and don't take on what you know you can't handle. Don't try to be the hero.
- Be flexible. Of course, things come up, emergencies happen, and things need to be dealt with, personally and professionally. That's just life...and we all know shit happens. Instead of getting all flared up about it, just take it in strides. Deal with the problem, adjust your priority list if you have to, and count on a coworker or friend to help you.
- Plan ahead. Taking an hour or two a couple times a week, whether at the beginning or end of each week, to plan ahead can save a lot of headaches. Set a schedule or deadlines each week. You can say, "this week, I'm going to get A, B, and C done, and next week I can do X, Y, and Z." By planning ahead and setting goals for tasks, you can really stick to working only a set number of hours each day. This will allow you to leave work or shut down at 5:00 or whenever, and leave it behind.
- Get organized. This point somewhat coincides with planning ahead. Being organized will help you plan ahead easier, and vice versa. Not everyone is organized, of course, but even the messiest people can set schedules and stick to them. Sure, it may require you to put in some time up front, but it will save you time—and headaches—in the long run, and will help you enjoy your personal time, much easier.
- Use your time wisely. Again, these two kind of coincide with the previous two. If you spend your time wisely and direct your focus on getting things done, you will. Sure you'll have the days when getting even the simplest things done seems impossible, but overall, if you put this into practice, you'll see results.
- Don't get frustrated. I almost don't even feel qualified to talk about this one. Personally, this is probably my biggest weakness. I get frustrated WAY too easily. It's either the phone won't stop ringing, my computer isn't working as fast as I'd like it to, or people are constantly at my door...it's the little things that should be simple enough to just get them done. It's the little things that really piss me off. Maybe you are a lot like me. All in all, it's important to remember that things, especially the little ones, aren't worth getting angry or frustrated over, or raising your blood pressure. If you need to, take a break, go for a walk, go get a snack. I know what you are thinking. I realize that if you are getting frustrated over getting things done, there is no time for a break or a walk. Things literally need to get done NOW. But honestly, I know it's hard, but try to remember that getting angry and frustrated won't get it done any faster.
- Schedule time for yourself. Finally, the most important one. This might sound stupid, but it can be very effective. Schedule time for yourself, or for your family. Rather than spending a Saturday going into work or meeting with a client, schedule a trip to the park or the beach or even the movies. Schedule a manicure or pedicure. Schedule golf plans or even a fishing trip with the guys...and leave the Blackberry or iPhone at home! Not only will this help you forget about work for awhile, which is healthy, but it's a great way to say, "I got a lot done this week, and as a reward of my hard work and efforts, I'm going to do..." fill in the blank.
SKELETAL HANDS
© Phil Date | Dreamstime.com
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