Your Career Does Not Define You - 3 Ways to Achieve Balance
When it comes to achieving success in our professional lives, many of us feel a relentless need to do more, get more, and be more. This elusive idea of “success” is often associated with status, money, and respect — sound familiar? While these may be valid reasons to stay in your current role, with your organization, or continue to run your business, these shouldn’t be your only motivators.
As someone who has always prided themselves on being driven, ambitious, and self-sufficient, I never realized the importance of separating who I was from what I did for work. For years, who I was and what I did were one and the same. I even went as far as viewing other people through the same lens. I never questioned anything about this mindset because so many people around me appeared to be on a similar trajectory and share the same school of thought. I worked hard when I was younger so that I would get into a good University, which in turn would allow me to land a “good job.” There was one path (more or less) to follow, which in theory, was promised to lead to the dream: freedom!
Did going down this path work? Sure… and while I am extremely thankful for that trajectory, I (like so many of us) still found myself perpetually exhausted and unhappy at work. I became more focused on sounding accomplished on paper and social media (i.e. LinkedIn), than actually embodying the fulfillment I originally set out to gain from my employment.
I share my story because it’s not uncommon. In fact, it’s pretty easy to become completely wrapped up in your career. The average person spends an estimated 90,000 hours working in their lifetime (approximately one-third of their life). The only thing we do more than work, is sleep! That being said, it’s important to remember that you are not your career, especially when feeling overwhelmed or unfulfilled in the workplace. Striving for a successful career doesn’t have to come at the expense of other goals in life; in fact, having a job that you enjoy can actually lead to greater life satisfaction overall. There are ways to create and maintain a balance between work and your personal life without sacrificing growth, success, or happiness.
Does this sound like you or someone you know? If so, here are three ways that you and those around you can start achieving balance in your personal and professional lives:
Set Clear Goals and Boundaries: It’s important to know what you want out of your career and set realistic goals accordingly. At the same time, it’s essential to know when enough is enough; don't overextend yourself by taking on too many tasks or consistently working late. Being able to not only set, but enforce boundaries will help keep your stress levels manageable and give you more time for your non-work pursuits.
Take Time Off and Unplug: Even if it's just an hour for lunch each day or a few days away from the office every few months, taking breaks from work can help reduce stress and increase productivity in the long run. Taking regular vacations can also provide opportunities for self-reflection as well as relaxation - both of which are important for maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Bonus points if you’re able to get out in nature and/or ditch the devices (Apple Watch, cell phone, etc.) so you’re truly able to unplug.
Create Meaningful Connections: Developing meaningful relationships outside of work can help you stay grounded when things get tough at the office. Having people you can turn to who won't judge you based on your job title or salary can provide an invaluable source of support during difficult times. Investing time in building relationships outside of work will enrich your life beyond what a successful career could ever do alone.
While feeling accomplished and successful in your career or business are important, it shouldn't define who you are as a person or take precedence over all other aspects of your life. There are ways to achieve a work-life balance without sacrificing success or happiness. Setting clear goals and boundaries, taking time off regularly, and creating meaningful connections outside of work will all contribute towards finding harmony between your professional and personal pursuits. Remember that you are not defined by your job or title - there is much more to life than just working!