Prioritizing Balance Over Burnout in Work and Life

Have you wondered if it's possible to achieve a perfect balance between work and life? 

A couple of days ago, I worked later than usual and was shocked to see the timestamp on my last email. It dawned on me that I had made a habit of prioritizing work over spending time with my kids, which made me feel guilty. And, it made me ponder how my work schedule reflects on my team. 

I had already worked overtime this week before bed, with two days left. I usually work a good deal longer than usual “full-time” hours, and some weeks, even more. At one point, I believed my tireless work ethic was something to be proud of. But now, I've started to re-evaluate. Is it necessary to work overtime to accomplish my goals? And what message does it send to those around me?

I genuinely love my work, and I can rely on my sturdy willpower to remain productive even on the most strenuous of days. But the approach of being occupied 24/7 seems different to me now. I make conscious efforts to balance my day. I engage in challenging workouts and spend more quality time with my family. However, I still tend to question whether I'm doing enough.

After taking stock, I've come to a realization that maybe a 40-hour work week is enough to achieve my professional goals, and working past exhaustion every week is not necessary. Perhaps prioritizing balance and efficiency while entrusting my team to pick up the slack may be a more effective approach.

So, let me ask you this: how much is too much? 

Do you find yourself constantly pursuing work without giving attention to your personal life? Simplifying our work-life balance may seem elusive, but it's something worth striving for.

In this constantly on-the-go world, how are you simplifying things to prioritize what matters most?