PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 36 REAL-LEADERS.COM / SUMMER 2022 Does the termwork-lifebalance leave you feelinghappy andempowered, or does it leave youwithapang of guilt anda lingering feeling of anxiety? Maybe it’s even time to retire the ideaonce and for all. By Kristel Bauer Redefining Your Work-Life Balance in a COVID-19 World Here’s the thing: In reality, workand life aren’t separate, and they can’t be balancedas if theywere objects on scales. Chasing after this idea will lead to a feeling of falling short, especially when unexpected challenges arise, which they will. When it comes down to it, life is messy and can’t be categorized into tidy little boxes. Our personal lives and our professional lives impact one another. They overlap, and they intersect. Perhaps this was different in the pre-smartphone era, but in our current world, completely separating work from the rest of our life just isn’t practical. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need to shift our views on work-life balance more than ever before. With increased remote work, e-learning, and extended quarantines, work and home life have become intertwined. People have been left to take a close look at their careers and lives, and many have decided it’s time for a change. As a result, 4.2 million Americans left their jobs in October 2021, and many companies have made remote work a permanent fixture for the future. While 2021 brought its fair share of significant challenges, it presented an opportunity to find more fulfillment and happiness at work and home. Our world has changed, and we need to change with it to thrive. Here is a 5-step process to help guide you toward that harmony: GET TO KNOW YOURSELF The pandemic has been a wake-up call for many people. It’s been a reminder that life is a gift, and you get to decide what you want to do with it. If there are areas in your life where you are not feeling fulfilled, itmay bebecause that areadoes not align with your core values and whatmatters to you. Take time to reflect on what is important to you. What drives you? What gets you excited? What do you value? What are your non-negotiables? This is an opportunity to set aside the vision of others for your life and pay attention to your inner guide. 01
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