We read a lot about Work/Life Balance in articles these days. For some, it means a seamless transition from a work mindset to a life mindset, depending on what's appropriate at the time.
One way I accomplish this aspect of balance is by selecting a landmark on my commute home from work. On my way home, there is a bridge I cross over an interstate. This part of my commute is about 4 minutes from my doorstep. While on the bridge, I mentally close the door to work and begin thinking of my wife, my daughter in college, and my teenage son. I pick out something about each one of them (something they like, or fear, or are interested in) and dwell on that for the remainder of my commute (about 4 minutes or so). I try to EMPTY my mind of work-related stuff and FILL my mind with family.
Now, before I go any further, I must confess this is a struggle for me at times. I forget. If I'm not careful, I can bring work right into the house with me and my wife can see work smeared all over my face. But when I remember to transition, it does wonders for my family life.
This is possible to do, whether your commute is 5 minutes or an hour. If your work and life have the same location (in other words, if you are a caregiver to someone in your home), you may need to "create a commute" by taking a drive or walk outside and selecting a landmark to trigger your transition before you circle back home.
What's going to be your landmark? How are you going to use it to make a significant transition? Remember, a balanced life has a greater impact.
by Scott Couchenour, Certified Life Coach
Promoting Balance in People Helping
www.servingstrong.com
www.servingstrong.typepad.com
Showing posts with label life coach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life coach. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Guest Post from Scott Couchenour - Balancing Bad News With Positive
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BAD NEWS
I am amazed at how much media airtime real estate is consumed by bad things that have happened. Recently I was listening to the radio in my car. Within a 30-second spot, I learned a baby was left on a doorstep (umbilical cord still wrapped around its neck), a man was sentenced to death for killing someone, the body of a woman was found in a lake - apparently raped and strangled, and two retired policemen were killed by a man as they worked for an armored car company while servicing an ATM.
What kind of impact is that having on us as we care for others? What is the psychological impact of bad news?
An article in the Harvard Business Review (October 2007) entitled "Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time" points to the importance of the emotions and quality of energy. The authors point out,
"Most people realize that they tend to perform best when they're feeling positive energy. Confronted with relentless demands and unexpected challenges, people tend to slip into negative emotions - the fight-or-flight mode - often multiple times in a day."
Listening constantly to bad news can diminish the impact of people who care for others. It enhances a low emotional state. It robs us of the kind of optimism described in the Stockdale Paradox (what Jim Collins speaks of in his book, Good to Great):
"Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be AND at the same time, retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties."
News media is part of our existence. What are YOU doing to retain an appropriate emotional state as you care for others?
Try this: For every negative piece of news, come up with at least two positive things to keep balance. Try complimenting someone. List your blessings. Look for the good in someone. Think of a time when you accomplished something. Smile at a stranger.
I'm not talking about ignoring the woes of our fallen world. I'm talking about keeping perspective to be the best benefit to those who need us to be there for them.
By guest blogger: Scott Couchenour, Certified Life Coach
http://ssomail.charter.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.servingstrong.com%252F
http://ssomail.charter.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.servingstrong.typepad.com%252F
Scott A. Couchenour, Certified Life Coach
Coaching for Ministry Balance
I am amazed at how much media airtime real estate is consumed by bad things that have happened. Recently I was listening to the radio in my car. Within a 30-second spot, I learned a baby was left on a doorstep (umbilical cord still wrapped around its neck), a man was sentenced to death for killing someone, the body of a woman was found in a lake - apparently raped and strangled, and two retired policemen were killed by a man as they worked for an armored car company while servicing an ATM.
What kind of impact is that having on us as we care for others? What is the psychological impact of bad news?
An article in the Harvard Business Review (October 2007) entitled "Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time" points to the importance of the emotions and quality of energy. The authors point out,
"Most people realize that they tend to perform best when they're feeling positive energy. Confronted with relentless demands and unexpected challenges, people tend to slip into negative emotions - the fight-or-flight mode - often multiple times in a day."
Listening constantly to bad news can diminish the impact of people who care for others. It enhances a low emotional state. It robs us of the kind of optimism described in the Stockdale Paradox (what Jim Collins speaks of in his book, Good to Great):
"Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be AND at the same time, retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties."
News media is part of our existence. What are YOU doing to retain an appropriate emotional state as you care for others?
Try this: For every negative piece of news, come up with at least two positive things to keep balance. Try complimenting someone. List your blessings. Look for the good in someone. Think of a time when you accomplished something. Smile at a stranger.
I'm not talking about ignoring the woes of our fallen world. I'm talking about keeping perspective to be the best benefit to those who need us to be there for them.
By guest blogger: Scott Couchenour, Certified Life Coach
http://ssomail.charter.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.servingstrong.com%252F
http://ssomail.charter.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.servingstrong.typepad.com%252F
Scott A. Couchenour, Certified Life Coach
Coaching for Ministry Balance
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