You might be surprised by the simplicity of what I am about to tell you but I have found that there is one word that I can use as a pretty accurate barometer of how balanced my family time is with my work.
When I find that I am using this word to answer my family’s requests with greater frequency, I have come to realize that this is a sign that my family needs more from me than I am currently giving them. Similarly, when I am not using this word often enough it is typically a sign that I need to devote a little more attention to my work.
Do you know which word I am referring to? Do you want me to tell you?
No.
I’m not trying to be mean and say no that I will not tell you the word. The word is no. This one word has an uncanny ability for signaling that your work and life are out of balance.
Take a minute and think of how often you have been saying no to your loved ones. As you think about it, please remember that the word no has a couple of relatives named “not right now” and “in a minute” that often signal the same imbalance.
The next time you find yourself uttering these words with regularity, try to take a step back and give the needed attention to the person or people that are on the receiving end. They’ll appreciate your attention and you will enjoy a little more control over your work-life balance.
Did you ever think one little word could hold so much information?
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I have had to utter more “no’s” in the last 4-5 days than I have in the last month or two! Thankfully now that we are live my kids and hubby can have me back!
Guilty of “in a minute” more than I’d like to admit.
Of course, I know that you are talking about reasonable requests, but sometimes, “no” is helpful in maintaining a good balance when you encounter unreasonable demands from either work or family.
Great post! =)
@Wendy :: No doubt, I know you’ve been very busy getting this all put together. Enjoy some time saying “yes”.
@Elizabeth :: I think most of us are guilty but recognizing when it happens too much will help balance things out.
@Kelvin :: Thanks for the feedback! You must be a mind reader, stay tuned for tomorrow.
Hey Derek. These titles are amazing. I’m taking the baby up to bed now, but I will be back to read more. I really like the topics you are presenting. Much needed these days!