Ding, buzz, ring, ping, swoosh. Can you hear the noises in your head, even as you read the words? The alerts could be a friend, co-worker, customer, social media, a news story, food delivery, and on and on.
Some people are good about not jumping at every sound, and others cannot stop themselves from looking.
As a contractor, someone always wants you for a bid, an update or a change. This constant race—mixed with the many other personal life challenges—can be draining.
A better work-life balance can be a way to silence the intrusions and be more productive, with an added benefit of happiness.
Strive for excellence, not perfection. There are a lot of perfectionists in construction, and that is understandable when you’re the one in charge. Perfect, however, becomes harder to achieve as you take on more responsibilities. One expert says to forget about perfect and think about excellent. Excellence is attainable, but trying to be 100-percent perfect could be damaging both physically and mentally. Memory Coach Jim Kwik has a quote that says, “On the days you only have 40% and you give 40%. You gave 100%.”
This could be a great year. After you read this blog, think about your top priority and then decide how you are going to align your life to make sure that priority is filled. As a tool to help, podcaster and author Mel Robbins put out a workbook to make 2024 your best year.
Switch to unavailable. The work day is harder to end when technology has made everyone accessible around the clock. Make it a habit to put your phone on silent during dinner or when you are spending time with your friends and family. Work emails and texts can wait until the morning, but your family should not have to wait for your attention. A Forbes writer notes, “By not reacting to the updates from work, you will develop a stronger habit of resilience. Resilient people feel a greater sense of control over their lives.”
Walk it out. Your doctors tell you every year—get plenty of sleep, eat healthy and find ways to exercise. You know what stinks about that? They’re right! A construction job is physical, but exercise outside of work should still play a role in your life. It not only changes your body, but your mind will become clearer and more focused. Go for a walk, lift weights, join a class or group at a local gym, practice yoga or play in a sports league. The point is do something that gets you moving beyond what you did at a jobsite (and you get the added bonus of taking time for yourself, which is important). For those sitting at a desk, you definitely need more time to move.
Consider that if you want something you never have had, you have to do something you never have done. A balance—with a side of happiness—is waiting for you.