I’ll be the first to admit it: I worked too much, and my work-life balance lacked stability. I felt compelled to produce and achieve and was rewarded for it with promotions and pay raises, reinforcing my tendency to work too much.
Ever been on this ride? It’s both a rollercoaster and a tilt-a-whirl. It’s exciting and challenging, and there’s a euphoric sense of accomplishment when you are finished. In a strange way, you’re invigorated and want to do it again even though it caused you stress!
When I was younger, I’d go from the exit gate back around to the entrance line to repeat the experience. Much like business travel, this ride was more exciting earlier in my career. With wisdom gained through experience, I’ve now learned how to hit the reset button and revisit what’s important.
For me, it was a job change that truly allowed me to readjust my approach to work. For others, the pandemic spurred many of these thoughts. My ‘a-ha’ moment came when I realized that I was in charge of setting my own boundaries and responsible for communicating those clearly.
Here’s one thing I did: I stopped responding to emails outside of work hours.
Sure, I may have read them or even drafted responses, but I didn’t send them. Why was this a big deal? It allowed me to set boundaries and also expectations of others regarding my availability. If nobody got a Saturday afternoon or 10 pm email from me, they wouldn’t expect responses during those times either.
If you want more ideas, revisit my blog from early 2023, where I provide HR solutions to help ward off employee burnout.
Hitting the reset button isn't always easy. It requires:
Courage to set boundaries and prioritize self-care in a culture that often glorifies overwork.
Introspection to identify what truly matters to us and the strength to pursue it unapologetically.
However, unlike previously received recognition, the rewards received from resetting are immeasurable.
By taking control of our time and energy, we create space for meaningful connections, personal growth, and moments of genuine joy. |
So, if you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of endless work and constant busyness, remember it's never too late to hit the reset button. Take a step back, reassess your priorities, and make intentional choices that honor your well-being. Believe me, it’s worth it.