Worklife Balance. Achievement Versus Enjoyment.

Worklife Balance. Achievement Versus Enjoyment.
The best work-life balance is different for each of us because we all have different priorities and different lives. However, at the heart of an effective work-life balance definition are two key everyday concepts that are relevant to each of us. That is daily achievement and enjoyment.

So Why do you want a better income………a big smart house in Runda…the kids through Makini school…to do a good job today or not to come to work at all? Most of us already have a good grasp on the meaning of Achievement. But let’s be realistic and explore the concept of enjoyment a little more.
Enjoyment does not just mean “Ha-Ha” happiness like going out for Nyama-Choma and Tusker every Friday and Saturday afternoon, neither does it mean having a family outing every other weekend, in fact, these are more of formalities that we Kenyans define as enjoyment.

Real enjoyment means pride, satisfaction, happiness, celebration, love, a sense of well being, generally all the joys of living. Achievement and Enjoyment are the front and back of the coin of value in life. You can’t have one without the other, not more than you can have a coin with only one side. The same family that breaks apart when one partner becomes too busy in search of achievement is the same family that thickens the bond when there is money to spend on literally all the good things life can offer.

Trying to live a one sided life is why so many “Successful” people are not happy, or not nearly as happy as they should be. Ideally speaking, you cannot get the full value from life without BOTH Achievement and Enjoyment.

Focusing on Achievement and Enjoyment every day in life helps you avoid the “As Soon As Trap”, the life dulling habit of planning on getting around to the joys of life and accomplishment “as soon as….” Will always apply but a simple evaluation of your life and work followed by applying specific strategies to help you strike a healthier balance will help you determine what you want in life.

Why not take 20 minutes on the way home from work and do something just for yourself? And when you get home, before you walk in the door, think about whether you want to focus on achieving or enjoying with those at home tonight or you want to sit back and defend your limited commitment then act accordingly.

At work, create your own best work-life balance by making sure you not only achieve, but also reflect the joy of the job, and the joy of life, every day. If nobody pats you on the back today, pat yourself on the back. And help others to do the same