Sometimes We Chase the Wrong Things
In a culture obsessed with high tech gadgetry, cellphones, credit cards, fast cars, large houses, and job titles, it should be no surprise that most people experience stress and anxiety.  The strain of striving after material advantage and the dictates of the Almighty Dollar have made many people virtual slaves in their jobs.

Even after working more than 50 hours a week or getting every material need and luxury that money can buy, many people still live unhappily.  Success at work, instead of bringing fulfillment, leaves many people with a feeling emptiness and disillusionment.

But there is still hope for the tired professional and the exhausted worker.  Stress and anxiety need not ruin lives and careers.  To get back on track, it may be helpful to consider the following advice on how to be an achiever who lives a balanced life:

Identify what’s important
What we really are lacking is balance.  A good start would be to have a career and life plan that balances your time and effort between work and home. If we plan carefully, we will most likely make the right action or choices. Life shouldn’t be a big enigma. Life can be made simple and enjoyable. A career or life plan must start with having a stated purpose.

Knowing what you really want helps you get rid of unnecessary fatigue brought about by things which are not really important.  Knowing your priorities also help you get rid of unnecessary worries and prevents you from wasting energy. Writing it down — putting your plan on paper — is the first step on having a balanced life.

Your first task is to identify what you want.  Do you prefer to have  a fun personal or family life, vibrant health more than having financial success or a well-respected position?  Maybe you can have both without making any sacrifice in terms of time or quality of life? Write it down! Goals are much easier to achieve when we identify them and list them on paper.

Quick questions
To get our bearings, it is important to be constantly aware of our priorities.  A good way to start redefining one’s priorities is by answering the following questions:

  • Are you neglecting yourself physically, mentally or spiritually?
  • Are you neglecting your spouse, your children, your peers?
  • Are you fulfilling your commitments?
  • Are you operating in your comfort zone?

Don’t be discouraged if you answered “yes” to some of those questions. Taking a moment to acknowledge where your life is out of balance is a great first step toward happiness. Once you’ve identified problem areas, you can begin making changes that lead you toward a happier, more fulfilled life.

It’s All About Balance
You have the power to manage your everyday stresses. You have opportunity to make healthy changes in your life. It may take time, but don’t be afraid to start now. These helpful tips will ease the pressures and get you moving toward happiness.

  • Focus – Take a few minutes to focus. Which tasks from your to-do list are the ones you really want to do? Which ones can be delegated? What happens if something from your list doesn’t get completed today? You’ll often find it won’t be a crisis if you have to push a few things back to another day.
  • Don’t be the Lone Ranger for every crisis or situation – Even The Lone Ranger can used a sidekick. Not every job can be effectively accomplished alone.
  • Give yourself a pat on the back – Every once in a while, give yourself credit. Acknowledge all the good things you have done.
  • Take breaks to recharge – Even a quick five-minute walk can help you clear your mind and refocus. You’ll find after a break, you have more energy, and return to your tasks feeling refreshed.

Do Happy
You always have a choice about how to respond to the world you live in. Being proactive and taking some time for self-care and prioritizing will go a long way toward reducing stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Do what makes you happy!

Get More Great Tips
You can find more great tips on how to be a happier, healthier, more energetic person in my book 21 Days to Happiness, which is NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK. Listen on your commute to work, or while taking your daily walk and refresh your mind as well as your body.

Ingrid Kelada

Business Psychologist/Happiness Expert

KCC Inc.