In my first article for many months, I’d like to share some life work balance lessons I’ve learned while dealing with illness.
As you may recall, at the end of last year I disclosed I had been diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia. This chronic condition causes extreme pain, to the point it is sometimes referred to as the ‘suicide disease’.
As I wrote at the time, I had not intended to share this news outside of an immediate circle of family and friends. However, I was encouraged to speak to help people better understand this little-known condition.
Life Work Balance Decisions
Everyone’s experience of TN is different. For me, the extreme headaches made it difficult to concentrate fully on my work commitments. I needed to look at my life work balance. As a result, I stepped back from a number of business interests and reduced my involvement in other projects and investments.
I felt that if I couldn’t give my all to my work, then I was selling myself, and the projects, short. That isn’t to say I haven’t been working in recent months, just being much more selective about where I invested my time and energy.
Back in the Saddle
I’m happy to say that, over the past 10 months, my doctors and I have developed a way to manage the pain. This involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.
This means I am now feeling a lot better and much more capable of giving more of my energy and time to business interests. So, you’ll be hearing a bit more from me now, compared with the past few months.
It has been a tough experience, but also a valuable one. I’ve learned which friends and colleagues I can absolutely rely on. I’ve been reminded of my own resilience and determination to overcome any challenge. And I’ve developed a new appreciation of the importance of a life work balance.
Life Work Balance Lessons
While I have often talked about the need to find a life work balance, the truth is that I sometimes struggled to achieve this. I enjoy my work and commit myself to multiple projects and investments with 100% dedication.
As a result, elements of my personal life, including family and my own wellbeing, have sometimes taken a back seat.
Limiting my professional activities for much of this year, as I dealt with TN, has helped me reset my approach and expectations. With more time available, I have reconnected with family and friends, enjoyed new experiences, travelled, and rediscovered hobbies and non-work passions.
While I have been working on several projects in 2024, I’ve managed to balance my desire to pursue professional satisfaction with the joy of spending time on me and those closest to me. It has been energising and enlivening.
Can You Find Life Work Balance?
So, what life work balance lessons have I learned?
Firstly, however demanding your work is, never ignore what your body is saying to you. For many months, I tried to ignore my headaches and soldier on. This left me in near-constant pain and exhausted, unable to perform at the level I can. I tried to battle on alone for too long before seeking medical support.
If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked.
Secondly, while your work may be your passion and legacy, you need to make time for other things in your life. Spend time with your family and friends, experience life, indulge in your interests and hobbies. Simply, take enjoyment in life. What is the point in working so hard to make a living, if you never actually live?
The third life work balance lesson I learned is that work is an important part of the equation. I have been occupied with several projects this year, but not as many as in previous years. Being honest, I’ve missed the thrill of multiple business projects.
Taking on an idea, developing it, bringing it to market and watching it soar drives me. I find it exciting, rewarding, and exhilarating. I haven’t had as much of that recently, and I have felt that absence.
So, don’t lose sight of the importance of your professional goals and passion in finding the right life work balance for you.
The Future
I’m delighted to say I am currently involved in several projects that have fully restored the professional thrill I’ve been missing. However, I am committed to ensuring I have a life work balance that is right for me.
I will still be giving maximum effort to every business I am part of, but I will make a concerted effort to ensure I also make time for those closest to me, to myself. My wellbeing matters, especially as I’m at my best at work when I am feeling my best.
