Recently, the concept of work-life-balance has gained popularity among many working professionals, especially busy professionals. The ideology behind this is to find the perfect balance. Much like a recipe to a cake or cookie, having a proportionate mix of ingredients should result in a more equal distribution of time, therefore equating to a more peaceful person.
I have a different view to propose. In fact, this view follows the rule of nature and the changes that occur in our seasons.
The argument for a perfect work-life-balance
If you are looking for more time to work, play, or rest – I would argue that it’s not a recipe that can be created and suggested for others to follow. We can assume that what might work for one person as a way to gain more balance in life could work for others. The truth is, the solution is unique to every one individual.
Even more so, to find this “perfect balance” in life, I came across an article that presents the model in the form of seasons. Nature flows naturally and yet is highly productive. The equal distribution of time comes in the form of days. Every day somehow has an equal balance of light and dark of 12 hours each. Did you ever notice that?
Other than these perfectly balanced days, nature just evolves from season to productive season based on it’s own rhythm.
Fall, winter, spring and summer do not come on a schedule. We may have a calendar that says it’s supposed to be “the 1st day of winter”, yet it never seems to really be exactly the day.
What can we learn about how nature does it and can it apply to our concept and pursuit of a work-life-balance?
Make your balance part of the seasons
Winter: the season to restore ourselves
Winter is a time to hibernate, to rest and ride out the cold winter months ahead. What if you could find a day or days during the week where you could replenish and restore your energy? What day would that be?
Better yet, maybe you need an hour during the day – like early morning or late evening – to be a winter plant and rejuvenate yourself by seeking nutrients from deep within.
Spring: the season to become “new”
Sometimes, we need to do a little spring cleaning for new ideas and new beginnings. As the plants begin to bud and bloom for new growth, we can do the same with fresh ideas.
Maybe you need to revisit old commitments or review file folders that no longer are important. What habits are stale or unproductive? Do you still need to have those mid-week meetings?
Find your “spring time rhythm” and get rid of the old and bring in the new ideas.
Summer: the season of action
As you take in the sun of the summer months, there’s always the feeling that summer is about energy and liveliness. It’s time to take action on those new ideas and projects.
Maybe you have a relationship that needs a little watering and nurturing? It it a time that you can feed fuel to a long term project to see it through to completion?
Fall: the season to reap what you sow
This is the time of your life to take stock in what you have and be thankful. It’s harvest time and a time to take stock in where you are in the world.
Is your business prosperous? Are your work and personal relationships sound and fruitful?
Work-life-balance tips may not really exist in a linear fashion but it might exist in an ideological fashion. We may need to see what works in our own personal lives and naturally use the best rhythm for our own personal lives to make the right balance.
“The truth is, the solution is unique to every one individual.” https://t.co/48BETbmV5I pic.twitter.com/4wSBaiuxpo
— Luxa Enterprises (@LuxaEnterprises) December 10, 2015
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