Are you searching for the secrets to maintaining balance in 2015?

One of my main goals for 2015 is to maintain family/work/life balance. In fact, my main word for 2015 is BALANCE. You guys … I’ve got to be honest. I totally failed this past week to maintain boundaries and spend quality time with my family. I maxed out my calendar with 12 or 13 hour work days which I thought would be doable, but I ended up super stressed and tired. This weekend I hit the reset button and started over. We spent all weekend together as a family, and I am going to do a better job next week! I want to be a good example to my mentorees, team, and clients.

This weekend I considered how to maintain more balance next week. I came to the conclusion that I will not put pressure on myself to find the “perfect balance.” Rather, I will make the most of every day. I will focus on quality time versus quantity of time with my family and friends. I will kiss my kiddos often and be sure we are having intentional fun each day.

That being said, here are some practical tips for each day:

1. Turn your phone notifications off. If you have an iPhone, you can turn off social media notifications via the settings>notification center area of your phone. This weekend, I turned off Instagram, Facebook, and any other notifications.

2. Set your phone on “Do not disturb” during family time. With an iPhone you can do this with the “moon” icon. With another phone, simply turn it off.

3. Do a power hour. My most productive time is early in the morning. Before I check my social media notifications, texts, and emails, I write a list of three tasks I need to accomplish. Then I just do them. Around 6.45 I answer emails, post team trainings, and plan the rest of my day. By 7.30, I’ve already been very productive. I try to check emails two more times through the day. As part of my power hour, I read or listen to professional development until I have at least two or three good take-aways.

4. Set the expectation with your clients and friends that you will not be an “instant messenger.” I tell my clients that I answer my texts three times per day. I generally don’t text back immediately, but rather at 3 set times through the day.

5. Set your schedule, test it, and revise accordingly. I usually say it takes 3 weeks to adjust to a new schedule. Well, this past week I set up my calendar with slots for client consults, Team INSPIRE strategy calls, mentoree meetings, and gym client sessions. I looked at my schedule and maxed out my working hours to expand my reach as much as possible. After only one week, I am certain that I cannot continue 12 hour work days.

6. Ask for help: no one ever got anywhere worth going by themselves. I have some amazing help in my life. A fabulous baby sitter who is reliable and trustworthy (not to mention the kids love her), and great housekeeper who does our laundry and organizes a couple of times per week, some amazing team members who step up and lead, and am extremely supportive husband who’s got my back every step of the way.

I hope these few tips will help you find balance in 2015 too! XO