Dear Leaders: Don’t try to dig for gold in a gold field

I had an enlightening discussion with my coach this week, and I wanted to publish this article before I miss any specifics from the advice.

This is an excellent piece of advice, and it’s something that I wish I had known when I first started my management career.

It’s true that as a manager or a leader, you have a lot of opportunities to make a difference. You can help your team members grow and develop, you can contribute to the success of your company, and you can make a positive impact on the world.
But it’s also important to remember that you’re only one person. You have limited time and energy, and you must be careful not to overextend yourself.
You will burn out if you’re constantly overcommitting and taking on too much work. And when you’re burned out, you won’t be able to perform at your best.

Everything you touch is an opportunity, so don’t fall into the trap of overcommitting and disrupting your work-life balance.

Don’t try to dig for gold in a goldfield

By: Vijay Chintha using mid-journey

So, how do we overcome overcommitting?

By focusing on one task at a time, engineering managers and leaders can:

1. Ensure Quality: Singular focus allows for a deeper understanding of the task at hand, leading to better outcomes.
2. Boost Productivity: Without the constant context-switching that comes with multitasking, tasks are completed faster.
3. Reduce Stress: Concentrating on one thing at a time reduces the mental clutter and anxiety associated with juggling multiple tasks.

By Vijay Chintha on one task at a time mindmap

So, how do you avoid overcommitting and maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Here are a few tips:

• Set boundaries. Decide how much time and energy you’re willing to commit to work each day, week, and month. And then stick to your boundaries.
• Learn to say no. It’s okay to say no to new projects, requests from team members, and even your boss. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to say that you don’t have the capacity to take on any more work.
• Delegate. If you have the ability to delegate tasks, do it! This will free up your time so that you can focus on the most important things.
• Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, or take some time to clear your head.
• Take time for yourself. Make sure to schedule time for yourself each week to do things that you enjoy. This could be anything from reading a book to going for a walk to spending time with your loved ones.

By: Vijay Chintha Tips for a healthy work-life balance mindmap

Remembering that work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all solution is also essential. What works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to find a balance that works for you and stick to it.

If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your manager, a mentor, or a therapist. They can offer you support and guidance.

Remember, you’re more valuable to your team and your company when you’re healthy and well-balanced.