Mountain or mole hill? Your work life balance could be just a tiny step away – or it could feel like you’ve got a bit of a mountain to climb.
Today is about imagining what it might be like as you find your steps towards work-life balance. We’ll go with the mountain metaphor… And if your mountain turns out to be more of a cuddly little molehill, that’s just fine because you will simply ace your way up and be slightly surprised to have got where you wanted so easily. That’d be OK, wouldn’t it?!
1. I want to do that!
First and foremost, you’re only doing this if you want to. And almost certainly you’re doing it because you believe it will make your life more enjoyable.
2. But I don’t know how 🙁
Then you can learn and practise. What is it that you’d need to learn? Get equipped. Choose who you trust to help you.
3. It’s a long way!
That may be true, or it may just feel like that. Either way, focus on the ground under your feet and take the next step little step that’s possible. Little steps are easier.
4. But that step’s too little to make a difference!
Hmm. A little respect for little steps please! Aim towards what you want, persist with those little steps and they sure will make a difference. It’s persistence that gets you to where you want to be, and you need every single little step to get you there.
5. I think I might have gone the wrong way
The quicker you notice, the better! Some steps involve checking out a direction and finding it doesn’t pan out. Step back and use what you’ve discovered to choose a better route.
6. Have you taken a break yet?
If not, take a breather. You’ll make better decisions if you take good care of yourself, that’s part of your balance. Look back at how far you’ve already come – WOWOWOW! That’s where your little steps have already got you. Keep going!
7. I’ve got to make a big decision
Some steps are more decisive, they feel riskier because if you take them, you are committing to something new. Either you go for it, or you don’t. You can prepare yourself first – check what you need, make sure you’ve got that in place, focus on where you want to get to, then commit.
8. I’m still not there!
Yep, back to those persistent little steps again. Off you go.
9. How am I doing?
Time for another break to recharge, they’re that important. Now look where you are – WOWOWOWOWOW! More little steps, you’ve got those sussed now.
10. I’m there! Now what?
Once you’ve completed what you set out to do, the excitement continues. You made it happen – and if you can do that, what else can you do? Enjoy where you’re at, and maintain your balance by looking after yourself, checking how you’re doing, taking little steps and taking breathers to recharge.
As you probably guessed, these photos and comments reflect a true story, both on the mountain (Andes First Ascents Expedition, 2005), working with people on work-life balance, and founding More to… 🙂
There’s way more to your enjoyment of powerful, positive experiences than the wonderful memories. These experiences also provide parallels that help you explore and address situations. The metaphorical bit is a powerful ally alongside your rational, logical thinking. So my tip for today is:
Tip #11 Use your powerful, positive past experiences for insights, parallels, metaphors and encouragement to help your work-life balance.
More to… work life balance
Holidays to help you restore your balance
Photos by Sarah Maliphant from Andes First Ascents, June 2005
Small Steps & Persistence photo by John Biggar, Andes Expeditions
