When we’re flexible with everything, we become overwhelmed and control nothing. Our time is pulled in a hundred different directions, and we end up feeling stressed, burned out, and dissatisfied.
Practice mindful unavailability. Be intentionally unavailable during your designated personal or leisure time. Yes, it is OK to have some “me time” and make yourself a priority. This reinforces the importance of self-care and a well-rounded life.
Identify nonnegotiables. Start by identifying your nonnegotiables. What are the things that you’re not willing to compromise? It could be time with your family, your yoga class, your weekend camping trips—whatever is that important to you.
It’s time for a reframe, called intentional inflexibility. See why it works.
Understanding intentional inflexibility
Set clear work hours. Establish specific work hours and stick to them. If you planned to be done every day at 6 p.m., be done every day at 6 p.m. This helps define a boundary between your professional and personal life, allowing for better balance.
Learn to say no. Be intentional about your commitments and learn to say no when necessary. Prioritizing what truly matters helps you avoid unnecessary stress and overload.
Why it works
Plan breaks. Yes, you do need a break! Schedule breaks at fixed times during your workday. This intentional structure ensures regular moments of relaxation without letting work consume your entire day.
We protect our time. We protect our energy. And most importantly, we protect the things that matter most to us.
Here are some ways you can incorporate intentional inflexibility in your life.
At work
Limit communication time. Set specific times for checking emails and messages. Avoid the temptation of checking “just one more.” By doing this, you can control the intrusion of work into your personal time.
Create consistent routines. Establish and stick to consistent daily or weekly routines. Predictable routines create stability and reduce the need for constant adjustments. (If you’re a parent, you understand all too well that feeling of ahh! that comes with a routine bedtime for your children.)
Intentional inflexibility is a game changer when it comes to improving your work-life balance. It’s about knowing what matters most to you and making a commitment to protect it, ultimately reclaiming control over your life. By setting boundaries, you create a foundation for balance and fulfillment. Watch as your life transforms from a chaotic whirlwind into a harmonious symphony. Your future self will thank you.
Designate family time. Allocate specific times for family and personal activities. Sunday may be for family, friends, worship, whatever makes your heart sing. Being intentional about this ensures quality time with loved ones without work distractions. An added benefit: It makes your family feel like they are a priority in your life as well.
Establish tech-free zones. Designate specific areas or times as tech-free zones. This helps maintain a healthy separation between work and personal life, promoting a better balance.
Published March 4, 2024, by Jones Loflin.
