Rethinking the Work Life Balance Equation

FA_Little_balance4 — Dr. Danetta O’Neal leading the "Rethink Work Life Balance" WRC session.

Women’s Council of REALTORS® Conference during the 2019 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo provides attendees with the option of attending one of four different sessions during the last day. One of the breakout sessions, led by a REALTOR® University professor, challenged agents to rethink work life balance.

Dr. Danetta O’Neal posed this question to the group: “If you had an extra two hours a day, what would you do?” She definitely made me think. We are always ready to take the buyer or seller phone call. My answer was simple—I would work on my daily blog. The overwhelming answer from the group was sleep. Most real estate agents are always “on.” Who would have thought agents who quit 40-hour a work week jobs would then end up working 80 hours a week?

O’Neal talked about the importance of taking time to balance your work and life. We must take time to rest and regroup. Work life balance is not time management. Managing your time is important, however, taking a break and planning those breaks must be included in your life in order to stay balanced. A balanced life includes (in no specific order):

Family & friends
Fitness & health
Fun & recreation
Career
Physical entertainment & home
Romance & significant other
Personal & spiritual
Money

How would you rate yourself or your life in each of the above areas? Strong or not so strong? If you feel that you are not balanced in any of these areas, it’s time for a balance check. Don’t let yourself get to the point of having an anxiety attacks. Take control of your life and build in free time so you have can to regroup, focus, and be better in your business. Free time doesn’t mean catching up on work, it means taking time for yourself. Go for a walk, take a short nap, go for a massage and take time for you! And remember, being free and being available are two different things. Just because you are free doesn’t mean you are available. It’s important to take time for yourself. When a client calls or asks for an appointment during your free time, don’t schedule that client.

Your free time is your time, so start adding it to your schedule today!

Carrie J. Little is a digital marketing strategist and technology expert in the real estate industry. As a national speaker, she has educated thousands of real estate professionals since 2008 on the best technology tools available in the United States.