How this easy trick will make you achieve work-life balance in one day

Two words summarize this passage: boundaries and balance. The first step in achieving either one is setting them; without those structures to work within, we become directionless workaholics who cannot possibly fulfill our goals or find fulfillment in what matters most—ourselves!

Life is hectic. Especially if you are trying to build something but, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring sense to it and achieve a healthy-ish existence.

Living a life in balance starts with setting boundaries. And no matter how experienced you are, it takes time to learn self-care and boundaries for yourself.

You work hard, and you deserve to feel good about that. But, the problem with overworking yourself is its toll on your body, mind, and emotions.

And the idea behind working day and night seems great at first glance; working harder can lead you to achieve your goals faster, resulting in feeling accomplished or essential.

But there are downsides beyond physical health where even psychological functions like happiness become compromised due to overworking yourself.

(Been there, done that.😅)

So, if lately, all of your energy has been going towards keeping up on things that need attention at work, your side project AND at home while also trying not to get burnt out--it might be time to start setting boundaries with yourself.

So, how can you set boundaries with yourself?

Easy. Start by saying ‘no’ to yourself.

Plan your day a night after in a way that works for you, explain precisely at what time you will close your work laptop and exactly what you will do after, and follow it through the next day.

Whenever you feel like disrespecting the time boundary you set, ask yourself: "How does this serve me?" – It's worth considering whether your repeated behavior serves any purpose other than just being stubborn.

First, we make our habits; then, our habits make us.
– Charles C. Noble

If you can’t come up with a clear answer that genuinely resonates with you on how repeatedly performing that action will benefit you in the long term more than it will affect you, say no to yourself.

The boundaries and compromises you make with yourself will set the foundations for how your day-to-day routine will look like, and your routine will consciously or unconsciously determine your habits and, therefore, the life you’ll lead.

Practice saying no to yourself more often.

No, you don’t need to stay late again.

No, you don't need to clear your backlog in one single night.

No, you don’t need to feel exhausted to feel accomplished.