This is why it is so important to understand how each of these resources works and why they are so important to keep in mind in order to see that better work life balance.
We all have the same amount of time each day, we are all motivated by different things and our energy levels will fluctuate as the day goes on depending on what we are doing. So the question becomes, how do we balance this and create the optimal level of motivation and energy in a certain time frame?[/text_block]
Time
We all have the same number of hours in a week, 168 hours to be exact.
The average person sleeps for 56 hours, works for 40 hours (unless your work life balance is badly out of whack) and travels, eats and showers for roughly 35 hours each week.
This should mean you would have 37 hours of free time each week, is that the case for you?
At the end of the day some people are busier than others. However some people do just manage their time better and get more done in less time.
The biggest thing to remember here is time is so valuable as once it’s gone you can never ever get it back!
Motivation
We are all motivated by different things however there are two core types of motivation.
1 – Motivation towards pleasure
This means you are motivated towards a good thing like the feeling of losing weight and being fit and healthy.
2 – Motivation away from pain
This means you are motivated away from a bad feeling like the feeling of being overweight, out of shape and un-healthy.
It’s important to understand which motivation style you find works for you most of the time. Note we say most of the time as in reality you will have both types of motivation in your life, however one will be the dominant motivational style.
Energy
This is probably the most under-looked however arguable the most important of the 3. If you do not have good energy levels in anything you do then you won’t be motivated and it won’t matter how much time you have you still won’t effectively get things done or even enjoy your time with others.
Think of these two scenarios:
1 – You have 4 hours on the weekend to spend with your family. You are so exhausted from work in the week that you have such low energy levels you spend the 4 hours barely even present. You know, the lights are on but nobody is home… You are not able to enjoy your time together as you are merely existing, not able to give anyone your undivided attention.
2 – You have 30 minutes free one night to spend with your family. You are full of energy and give them you un-divided attention with a positive and energetic attitude.
Well which of these two scenarios is the better for both you and the family members on the receiving end? The second one is far more beneficial for all parties involved.
Energy is a finite resource meaning we only have so much of it. However once it’s gone, unlike time we can get it back. The thing is, we must learn to work in periods of intense bursts like a sprinter. Use the energy with intense focus for a period of time then take some time out and recover. Call this the re-charging of the batteries and then you are ready to go again.
This goes for in the workplace and all other areas of your life. Make sure you take some time out to recover so you can go again![/text_block]