The study also stated that in all family configurations with the exception of “shared-carer couples”, full-time male workers contributed about 20 hours per week to unpaid work, less than half the average time females spent on such work.

Oh really? They needed a study to prove that? This certainly does not surprise me, although I must say my husband does help out around the house if I ask him. Now if I could only get him to take on half of the ironing workload, I’d be over the moon!

Come on husbands – lend a helping hand!!

Many life and busines coaches (including myself), continually advocate that workers retain a healthy balance between their work and family/leisure time – their health and wellbeing depends on it. If left unaddressed, busy work schedules can lead to overwork and overstress, which can eventually lead to burnout! 

Are you burning the candles at both ends a little too often? Is maintaining a healthy work/life balance something that you are consciously working towards?

I invite you to work through the life balance profile to ensure that you are currently living and upholding your life’s purpose and value (as well as maintaining a healthy work/life balance).

Imagine a circle divided up in the following sections:

- Emotional Growth
- Life / Work Balance
- Health / Fitness
- Mentual & Spiritual
- Career
- Friends & Family
- Finances
- Fun & Leisure Activities

Thinking about the above, ask yourself the following:

1. Consider what your purpose in life is?
2. What do you really enjoy doing?
3. How specifically do you express your purpose in your life?
4. How importantly do you consider the role of values in your life?
5. List five values that are most important to you?
6. Of these five values, which three would be at the top of your list?
7. Of the three values you have just listed, which would be the most important?
8. How are your three most important values being reflected in your life now? List those areas.
9. Do you ever think or feel that you are not ‘living up’ to your values?
10. Would you like to reassess or change any of your core values?
11. Are you experiencing any conflict of values?
12. If you do have a conflict of values, how will you solve it?

If you believe you could benefit from additional support or coaching in establishing congruence for your life’s values feel free to contact me at: annemarie@career-coach.com.au

All the best!

If not monitored and kept under control, an overwhelming workload and continued stress can eventually lead to burnout. Some of the early signs of burnout can include:

~ Chronic Fatigue- exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down
~ Anger at those making demands
~ Self-criticism for putting up with the demands
~ Cynicism, negativity and irritability
~ A sense of being besieged
~ Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things
~ Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances
~ Weight loss or gain
~ Sleeplessness and depression
~ Shortness of breath
~ Suspiciousness
~ Feelings of helplessness
~ Increased degree of risk taking

Do you recognise any of these symptoms? Here are some key strategies to assist you in beating the burnout blues:

Establish firm and realistic goal: Write them down, and stick to them. Don’t become enslaved to an excessive workload and bogged down with trivial tasks, but rather plan to complete the most crucial and lucrative projects.

Avoid becoming the “yes” victim: Do this by learning to become more assertive and comfortable in saying “no” if asked to take on extra work by colleagues or demanding clients who continually present impossible deadlines.

Set yourself a reasonable limit of hours: These will apply for your working day and working week – and stick to it.

Incorporate exercise into your day: Exercise is an excellent way to relieve tension and stress so when scheduling your diary, block in 20-30 minutes of exercise at least three or four times per week. Increasing your fitness level can also benefit your productivity and level of awareness plus assist in avoiding other physical ailments.

Learn to delegate: Avoid the temptation to do everything yourself. Train someone or outsource any daily and repetitive tasks that do not necessarily require your expertise so that you can concentrate on more important issues.

Incorporate change into your routine: Avoid getting stuck in a rut. Following strict schedules and performing repetitive tasks can lead to boredom, disinterest in your work, and eventually burnout. Rotate your schedule; incorporate a new task into your day; or put aside some time to develop your skill-set – anything that adds an element of change to your daily routine.

And most important – take time out for yourself and your family: Your life should not revolve solely around work, but rather follow a healthy balance that incorporates time for yourself, your friends, and your family.

If you would like to speak to me on this very important topic please feel free to contact me at annemarie@career-coach.com.au

Here’s to you being able to gain a healthy balance within your work and your career!

Having a positive approach can be a contributing factor to maintaining business and career momentum. A negative attitude can affect your motivation, performance and subsequently tarnish relationships with people around you.

While some people are able to eliminate unconstructive thoughts, others can struggle with this, which can unfortunately result their business and/or career stalling.

Here are 5 key points to consider:

1. Pratice positive thinking: don’t become overwhelmed in your work by taking on too much! Rather, concentrate on one task at a time to allow yourself a positive attitude toward your work. You should soon see the benefits of your new positive approach.

2. Maintain positive conversations: avoid being negative when you speak with others around you – your moaning tendancies will soon have you develop a negative reputation with those around you. Speak only about the aspect(s) you enjoy and maintain a positive attitude in your communications.

3. Identify the positive qualities in others: everyone of us has positive attributes and features so pinpoint some great qualities in others, commend them on this quality, and start spreading the word. This positive attitude could become infectious thus transforming a negative workplace into a positive one!

4. Concentrate on the positive attributes of your job and the company: again, identify the areas that you enjoy and that motivate you and concentrate on these. Don’t allow yourself to dwell on the negative.

5. Don’t be distracted: avoid being affected by negative people around you. Realise that you are only able to change your attitude – not theirs, soif they continue to dwell on negative aspects, this is their choice. Don’t let it affect your new positive approach.

Introduce a few (or even all) of these areas today, and begin to reap the rewards of your new positive approach.

Here’s to continued positivity and your success!

[Do you have a positive story? Please share!]