What Does Work-Life Balance Mean for You?
April 5th, 2011 1 Min readThis is part of a series of guest posts by Iris Grimm, creator of Balanced Physician
If you had to write a prescription for balance for your patients, what would you include? Greater effectiveness at work? More time to play? Better relationships with others, as well as the selves? Or all of the above? Like other prescriptions, a prescription for balance is not "one size fits all," but a customized approach that is based on ambitions, goals, circumstances and preferences.
As the term "work-life balance" is used more frequently in healthcare these days, what does it really mean for you?
It doesn't necessarily mean less work and more time for play, or even necessarily an equal time. It also doesn't mean giving up high-striving professional goals and rewarding leadership positions. Its definition is not static and depends on a variety of personalized factors.
As Stephen R. Covey wrote in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, many people seem to think that success in one area can compensate for failure in other areas. But can it really? True effectiveness requires balance.
Achieving a sense of balance includes being at peace with where you are in your career and your personal life while still striving for advancements and promotions. It also means that you are content in your relationships at work and at home, and that you easily resolve or avoid conflicts. You take care of your priorities, and none of the balls that you juggle in your professional and personal life come crashing down.
As a result of this balance, you work more effectively and provide more focused and compassionate care to your patients while recognizing and honoring the importance for play, personal interest and family relationships.
Self-Reflection Questions:
How do I define work-life balance for me at this stage of my life?
What would I have to give up in order to have more balance?
What would I have to take on to have more balance in my life?
Iris Grimm is the creator of the Balanced Physician programs. She provides physicians a comprehensive support system to meet their unique work, life and leadership challenges. For more information visit www.BalancedPhysician.com.
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