A few months back, on the eve of one of the biggest professional football games, Sean McVay, the LA Rams coach, had some thoughts swirling in his head.
He was focused on more than outsmarting the Cincinnati Bengals' defense in Super Bowl LVI. He was also contemplating the tricky business of finding a balance between work and family. You might expect that from a coach who's been in the game for ages, but Sean's just 36 years old – pretty young for a football coach!
Sean realized that while coaching is his passion, there are many other things he wants to do in life. Dreams to chase, relationships to build, and adventures to embark on. He's a smart guy!
He'd seen how his dad's coaching took a toll on family and friendships and wanted to avoid following that path. So, he's been thinking about work-life balance. He's still figuring it out, but he knows he can only be coaching once he's 60 and miss out on all the other good stuff.
Sean's a lucky one. He's learned some lessons and gained a healthy perspective early on. He's responsible for managing his life and ensuring he doesn't regret it later.
But, let's face it, many of us only think about how our careers can drain us once we're nearing the end of the road. It's often too late to change bad habits and routines by then.
Here's the thing – sometimes doing less can bring more abundance. It might sound weird, but it's true. You can boost your energy, productivity, and positivity by cutting out the unnecessary, toxic stuff and the self-defeating emotions.
In our "work yourself into the ground" culture, doing less is often seen as slacking off. But that mindset needs a makeover.
So, how can we get there? Well, the pandemic shook things up. Priorities shifted, work schedules flipped, and people started thinking about integrating balance into their lives. Young professionals are leading the charge, choosing balance as a prerequisite for their career choices.
This change is good, and I'd love to see more leaders set the example. It's okay to focus on yourself and not just your job. Here are some tips to kickstart that healthier vision for work-life balance, just like Coach McVay:
Picture Your Ideal Life
Start dreaming and planning how you want your personal and professional life to look. Prioritize what's most essential and where you want to invest your time and energy.
Put Yourself First
It's okay to be a bit selfish. Take care of yourself first, and make sure your needs are met.
Choose Your Priorities Wisely
Only some things can be a top priority. Focus on what truly matters and deliver meaningful results.
Embrace "Good Enough"
Forget about perfectionism. Aim for excellence and accept that "good enough" is good enough.
Moderate Social Media
It's easy to get lost in other people's lives online. Take breaks, and use that time for something productive.
Trust Others
Trust is vital in any relationship. Give people the chance to take on tasks and create space for yourself.
You Can't Please Everyone
Accept that you can't always make everyone happy. Don't give too much power to others' opinions – life is too short for guilt!
Balance is about finding what works for you and is worth the effort.
So, be a bit more like Coach McVay and start early!
Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
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