During my first study at the firm, I would work for extremely long hours even during weekends. It was not expected from me but somehow I couldn’t draw a boundary between my personal and professional life. Initially, I liked the way how I was working as I was getting a new experience but towards the end of the study when I was introspecting on the things that I had gained, I realized that I might have built a new skill set but personally I had failed. I had stopped following my exercise routine, didn’t spend much time with my family & friends and all my interests had taken a step back. I understood that this can’t go on forever. That was the day when I promised myself that I would never give up on all the things that used to make me feel good about myself.
It is very easy to get lost and engross yourself in work all day. But sooner or later, you will realize that it leads to less productivity and more chances of burnout. You will start feeling burnout at both personal and professional fronts. Personally, your loved ones will start feeling that you are not giving enough time to them and this in turn will impact your work output due to stress. It is very important to follow your interests apart from your work schedule to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This will not only help you develop an extra skill but will give you some time to spend with yourselves.
Building a habit doesn’t take a lot of efforts. It is all about 21 day schedule. A few years back I had read this phrase in a book – “It takes 21 days to develop a habit. If you follow a schedule for 21 days without missing a single day, you will start liking the routine.”
If you find it hard to find regular motivation for going to the gym, just promise yourself to do it for just 21 days. Trust me, on 22nd day you would want to go for yourself. It’s hard but it’s not undoable. Similarly, if there is anything that you want to do. Set just 3 weeks goals.
I understand that work pays our bills but work is not our life. Work is just a part of our life. Next time, if someone complains that you are a workaholic, give it a thought. Are you really?
Let me know how have you developed a habit in the comments below.