I used to work through lunch. By the end of the day, I’d be worn
out, but I needed that hour to get through all the work that I had
ahead of me… Or did I? Remaining committed to our goals—
whether it means walking away from the desk or following through to
handle a customer’s request—continues to build our reputation and
credibility, and thus impacts our success relative to our organization
and time management. I started to commit to reserving my lunch time
for non-work activity. The actual time may vary each day, but I make
sure that I get away.
I typically like to go for a run to clear my head, but the message here
is to commit to doing what you want to do. I find that when I come
back to the desk, I have a fresh perspective and new energy to drive
through the rest of the day productively. Running is just one example
of keeping a clear head by balancing my personal and professional
needs. The key is to move your focus away from work, even for a
short period of time, and to bring back a laser-focused approach upon
your return. Today’s professional environment and all the technology
therein mean that work and life are interlaced. As much as we want to
separate the two, it’s almost impossible. So instead of fighting it, it’s
time to embrace it.
You can start by blending your personal and professional schedules
together. If it’s not permitted at work, then at least counterbalance
them, and view them side by side to ensure that you are looking at
both worlds together. Your commitment to balancing work and life
will bring more control to both. Schedule your lunches, or they will
never happen. Block off time for dentist appointments or they will
be forgotten. Include time on your calendar needed to pick up your
children from school or let the dog out so that you won’t schedule one
event to inadvertently create a conflict with the other.
Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):
- Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
- Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
- Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
- The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
- From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
- The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood
See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com