Personal Work-Life Effectiveness

In today's world, there seems to be a time crunch to complete the never ending tasks from work and family. But is 'time factor' the crux of the problem? Work-life experts say that the disharmony between work and personal / family life tend to be a result of our values and priorities, not the lack of time. Don't we try to make time for things that we believe are important to us, no matter how busy we are?

Time is a finite resource. Ultimately it is up to us to decide what our priorities are and take the necessary steps towards making it work best for ourselves and for those around us. This is what "Personal Work-Life Effectiveness" is about: to prioritise goals and effectively harness personal and external resources to achieve harmony in work and personal/family life.

When there is harmony in our work and life, it translates to less stress and burnout. We can concentrate better at work and stay productive, leaving more time for life outside work, and we become a happier person. Our family will also benefit greatly from our state of well-being and effectiveness as we have more time to attend to their needs.

It is important to discover and build on your strengths and passion in your endeavours. Given everyone's situation is unique, only understanding yourself, your priorities, your values, and your strengths and weaknesses would provide the directions and help you decide what works best for you and for those around you.

Some Tips to follow:

• Manage and prioritise key roles
Identify the key roles to play during the week. List down in your diary as putting them in writing gives you focus and move you into action.

• List down your goals for each key role
For each key role, write down your goals/activities to accomplish for the week according to their importance. Limit to a few goals per role and if possible, combine activities that allow you to achieve multiple goals. For example, doing housework with your children allows you to fulfil your role as “homemaker” and “parent.”

• Get organised and plan
Allocate specific time slots to the goals you have identified for the key roles.

• Take time out for yourself
Do not forget you also need time for yourself to pursue your aspirations and interests.

• Assess and do it
Assess whether your list of goals are in line with your definition of success in life. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding what is best for you.

• Know when to let go or say ‘no'
Learn to say ‘no' to requests that are not related to your priorities. Delegate responsibilities and focus on tasks that truly require your attention.

• Celebrate little successes, no matter how small
Don't be too hard on yourself. When you achieve a goal you set out to do, give yourself a pat on the back!

• Do not give up easily but always think positive
By taking a positive stance, you can learn from mistakes and handle problems better in future.

Extracted from website of Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS)