What is a well-balanced life? As an executive coach, many of my clients often say, “I wish I had more time _____________ (fill in the blank). This is the red flag phrase when your life is out of balance, what is often referred to as the work/ life balance. What compels my clients to overwork and have less time for a life outside of work? Before we explore this, let’s look at the four components of a well-balanced life. For optimal mental health you need:
- Love
- Work
- Play
- Creativity
If you were to draw a circle and map out these areas, how much of the circle is taken up by work, leaving little room for anything else? One of my clients, a 40’s something CEO of his own company and very successful, desired to have more time for his young children and for himself. His desire is not uncommon, and more the norm. During our work together, he finally achieved a well-balanced life, and his face went from being tense and drawn to a beaming smile filled with joy. His passion for his work returned as well. In his own words he wrote:
Working with Melinda has been transformational. Her approach has helped me to identify the thought patterns, mindsets, and negative relationships that I was allowing to inhibit my personal and professional growth. Together we strategically made the changes in my life and mindset to affect real and lasting change. Get ready to leave your comfort zone and work hard, transformation does not come easily, and Melinda isn’t going to do the work for you. In an incremental approach, she has guided me through unraveling false identities, limiting belief structures, and liberated my sense of self. My leadership style has completely changed, instead of finding my value in a crippling work schedule in a vain attempt to prove my worth; I have a true work/life balance. I work a fraction of the hours I used to, I love what I do and who I do it with, my employees are happy and energized, and my bottom line is better than ever. It took time to make the necessary changes to arrive at a new enhanced lifestyle and it is possible to achieve. Now to answer the question, “What compels my clients to overwork and have less time for a life outside of work?” For most clients, it is a resistance to delegate, and they lack the ability to say, “No.” If you start delegating, then you will be freed up to bring about a well-balanced life. Feel free to contact me for a complimentary coaching session.
In the words of Dr. Seuss,
“You’re off to great places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
so . . . Get on your way!
Melinda Fouts, PhD
970-274-3130
melinda@successstartswithyou.net
www.successstartswithyou.net
www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-fouts/
