As a middle aged professional, juggling work and personal life can be a real challenge. I often feel burned out with the never ending demands and responsibilities. It’s like there’s no escape from work, even during downtime, thanks to our always connected digital world. I’ve noticed some symptoms of burnout, like feeling constantly tired, less productive, and disconnected from everything around me. I’ve tried time management techniques, but they’re not always easy to stick to given the nature of our jobs. That’s why I’m really looking forward to Darria Long’s presentation on triaging our “crazy busy” lives. I hope to learn some practical strategies to regain control, and find a better balance between work and personal style. Let’s see what insights she has for us.

Well, you know, for me work has always been a top priority. I’m a 30-something single guy, and I’ve always believed putting in the effort and dedication at work will eventually pay off in my career. But the more I advance in my profession, the harder it becomes to strike that balance between work and personal life. One of the main challenges I face is finding the time and energy to invest in my personal relationships. Sometimes, I’m so caught up in work related responsibilities, that I unintentionally neglect my social life. It’s not that I don’t want to have a fulfilling personal life, but the pressure to excel at work can be all-consuming. I’ve also noticed that I tend to put self-care on the back-burner. Long hours at the office and tight deadlines often leave me exhausted and I rarely find time to unwind and take care of myself. I’m hoping to gain  some valuable insights from Darria Long’s presentation on triaging our busy lives. It’s essential for me to learn effective strategies to balance work and personal life better, and maybe even find ways to prioritize self-care amids professional ambitions. I’m eager to see how I can make positive changes and achieve a more fulfilling life overall.

I’ve attended numerous seminars on productivity. And among them, the ideas of Steven Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” have resonated with me the most. The principles of proactive behavior, putting first things first and seeking win-win solutions have been truly transformative. However, I must admit that putting these habits into practice is not a walk in the park. The daily demands of my managerial role can be intense, leaving little room for personal development and self reflection. It’s not always easy to break old habits and adopt new ones, especially under pressure to deliver results and meet deadlines. Finding the time to reflect, prioritize and set meaningful goals requires consistent effort, and I sometimes find myself slipping into old patterns of reactive behavior. Despite the challenges, I remain committed to integrating these habits into my routine, as I’ve seen the positive impact they can have on both my professional and personal life. It’s a continuous journey of improvement, and I’m eager to learn more from presentations like Darria Long’s on triaging our busy lives. Gaining additional insights and practical strategies to complement the 7 Habits can help me refine my approach and create a more balanced and fulfilling life, both as a manager and as an individual.