5 Ways to Achieve Work + Life Integration

You’ve heard about work/life balance for years and probably wondered how some people achieve it and most of us don’t. But the new, more realistic 2.0 version of this goal is called Work + Life Integration. Work + Life Integration understands that in today’s world, our professional and personal lives blend all the time. Due to advancements in technology and a globally dispersed workforce, we have become an “always on” society. Instead of stressing about this phenomenon, let’s figure out how to make this new way of life work for you.

1. Shake up the schedule

Schedules have become pretty crazy. While we’re all given the same 24 hours every day, there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. Why is this happening?

In a time where technology should be making our lives easier, it has also added to an “always on” mindset where both our work and personal lives continue to intersect. And the physical distances between home, work, school and extra-curricular activities have increased. Stress occurs when we try to keep our personal lives from spilling into our work lives.

It’s time to rethink those 24-hours. Many professionals are now opting for more flexible schedules that allow time for personal errands and family events throughout the day. On the flipside, they’re also working earlier or later in the day to catch up. The key here is to communicate openly and timely about when you will be available for work. Which brings me to my next point about calendars.

2. Share your calendar

It’s interesting how much power a calendar has. When something is scheduled, it’s like having an RSVP at a favorite restaurant. But if we’re going to be successful at integrating our personal and professional lives, we need to share our calendars with those around us.

With tools today, personal appointments can be made private but at least your co-workers and your boss know that this time is blocked on your calendar. Likewise at home, there should be a shared calendar so the family knows when events are happening so they can plan accordingly.

Whatever your system….Outlook, Google Calendar or the refrigerator door, Work + Life integrators are pretty diligent about sharing their calendars. One last word about schedules, make sure you preserve some unstructured time at least once a week. It’s therapeutic to just hang out with family and friends for some much needed downtime without running to the next activity.

3. Do hard things first

This is something I learned as an early professional. Overwhelmed by the number of initiatives on my plate, I took wise counsel from my then-boss, “Do the hard things first and everything else will seem easy.” We tend to stress when it comes to large or difficult projects, and this can often lead to procrastination. Tackling that hard thing first can be daunting but I’m speaking from first-hand experience that it’s good to have the energy and time upfront to do the tough stuff and everything thereafter does indeed feel easier.

4. Eliminate or embrace the commute

Commutes in major cities around the world have gotten out of hand. When I started Portancia, I wanted to make sure that most of our work could be done from our individual homes. A lack of commute gives me time back in my day and eliminates stress. Most companies now offer at least one work from home day per week so take advantage of that if you can.

But if you do commute to and from work, let’s make the most of it. Audio books are a great way to pass the time – and they don’t have to be business books or industry-related podcasts; they can be for leisure too. This is one of the ultimate ways to integrate work and life.

Taking public transportation can be less stressful and more predictable than driving, but if you do drive, why not catch up with family and friends on the phone? (hands-free, of course) One way to start out the commute is to stop at a local coffee shop and treat yourself to a hot beverage and catch up with the locals before getting on the road.

5. Give yourself a break

We tend to be our own worst critics so if we can’t achieve everything in a day, we feel discouraged. I think it’s important to remember we’re all human. Sometimes we’re more productive and sometimes we’re less. Sometimes we let the schedules control us instead of the other way around. The important thing is to learn how to blend our work and personal lives pragmatically so that we can look back and say,

“I may not have done it all, but I did it well.”