Work-Life Balance
Originally Published August 2019
I wrote my last blog about some of the lessons put forth in Eric Barker’s book, Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong. I finished the book while on vacation recently, and the last chapter was on the topic of work-life balance. Perfect timing as we prepare to enter a new school year and leave our summer schedules behind!
Barker reviews the extreme dedication to the career and success of people such as Ted Williams, Albert Einstein, and Mozart. While they were hugely successful in their fields, their relationships not only suffered but in some cases, were non-existent.
He goes on to cite studies of how overwork not only robs us of quality relationships with those we love, but it also robs us of our happiness and our health. Part of the challenge today is that our work is with us 24/7 in the form of our smartphones. And while those phones are wonderful in many ways, they are also a distraction. Every time we look away from the person with whom we are talking to look at our phones, we are not fully in the moment.
Finally, the authors of the book Just Enough conducted a study that identified four metrics that matter most for our mental, social, and personal well-being:
Happiness = Enjoying
Achievement = Winning
Significance = Counting (to others)
Legacy = Extending
When one of these metrics takes control, life can get out of balance.
So what does this mean for the start of the school year? Before we get into the busy times of homework, plays, athletics, and events, take time as a family to determine what is just enough for you. What will make your family work best? What balance allows your children to enjoy learning and growing without producing unrealistic levels of anxiety.
I know that we offer many opportunities and events in our district. But you don’t have to do them all. Yes, the superintendent said that. Sometimes a game night at home is more important for your work and school-life balance. Believe it or not, your kids (and yes your teenagers) want and need to spend time with you talking, playing, and relating.
You will have to plan to have balance in your family. And you may have times when things are out of balance. But keep at it. You will be a model for your children that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Have a great start to the school year!
Barker, E. (2017) Barking up the wrong tree: The surprising science behind why everything you learned about success is mostly wrong. New York, NY: Harper One.
Nash, L. & Stevenson, H. (2004). Just enough: Tools for creating success in your work and life. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
