What does work-life balance look like now?

I’ve written blogs and chapters in a book about work-life balance. My approach to the topic is about mindset rather than hours spent between careers and life outside our vocations. We create our personal sense of balance by identifying and pursuing goals and priorities. Our thoughts, not the clock or calendar, dictate a feeling of balance (or out of balance).

Now, something not seen since 1918, disrupts how we manage both our work and non-work lives. Mindset is more important than ever – things like attitude, reflection, perseverance. Millions of people used to commuting to and sharing a workplace, are now forced to work from home, greatly impacting their work-side balance.

Even those who normally work from home are likely work-balance impacted. The relationships they rely on are altered. Colleagues are also working from their den, bedroom, or basement. Customers may be quarantined; prospects cannot be reached. There are no in-person business meetings or business networking events; no fellow employee or business colleague lunches.

Social distancing, face masks, and stay at home “orders” have greatly impacted the non-work (“life”) side of the work-life teeter-totter. Online school for the kids, not being able to frequent restaurants, go to a movie, or attend social events certainly changes the non-work activity and priorities.

The ultimate disruption of work-life balance? How about those who are essentially foregoing “life” to attend to those who are sick, quarantined, or in “stay-at-home” mode? How can we even comprehend the incredible bravery and dedication of first responders, doctors, nurses, and medical assistants, let alone adequately thank them?  Then there are other “essential” workers: truckers, postal and delivery people, grocery and other (retail) attendants. They, too, are dealing with altered work-life balance.

A pandemic changes how we live our lives. We’re all “out of balance” in some way.

Even though our vocations and avocations have been bruised or significantly disrupted, my advice now is the same as what I’ve previously written. Here’s a summary of actions to cope with work-life balance, whether in “normal” life or a pandemic.

Think about how you define balance. As noted above, balance isn’t measured in hours. You need to evaluate working versus personal pursuits as it relates to your lifestyle. Even though lifestyle looks quite a bit different than it did a couple months ago, assessing balance based on time spent on each is not productive. Whether you’re in normal or abnormal times, focus on the activities of your current and prospective lifestyle.

Measure individual activities on their value. What used to be physically connected activities are now virtual versions. Instead of dwelling on the form of the activities, pay attention to the value and results. Maybe work projects involve more planning than doing now. That could lead to bigger and better things in the future. You’re probably spending more time with your kids, spouse, partner. What could be more valuable than spending time with those we care the most about?

Balance is a mental game, not a physical exercise. Now more than ever we need to lean on the saying “it’s not what happens to you that matters, it’s what you do with what happens to you.” Simply put, how you handle what life throws at you will determine your level of joy, satisfaction, and success. Surprise! It’s our old friend, attitude. Grab that half full glass. In fact, borrowing from the creative fun quips circulating the Internet, grab a half full glass of wine in each hand. That way you also avoid touching your face. (laughing emoji).

Balance is best accomplished through goal setting. I know, goal timelines may have to be changed. You can still work on them. Planning, strategizing, and evaluating the steps to achieving long range goals are all worthwhile stay-at-home activities. New, short-term goals can be set for exercise, personal study (learn something new online), reading, even personal discussions. Despite a shift in their pursuit, defining career and non-career goals automatically establishes a guideline of what balance is for you.

One final note. We’ve all heard the phrase “we’re all in this together.” I know there are those who can’t seem to grasp the true meaning of “together” and still want to attack, complain, and politicize. No matter. There are millions of people with big hearts and pitching in . . . together.  Here are just a few samples of how people and companies have risen to the occasion (click the links for the stories).

There are dozens of these kind of stories. People are amazing and generous when a crisis strikes. You just have to listen and look for them. God bless them all.

Follow the various health guidelines, orders, etc. Look forward, not back. Help out where and when you can. Above all, stay strong, positive, healthy, and safe.