When you’re out of the office, are you really away?

On a recent vacation, Angelia Z. Shay, CLU, ChFC, noticed her two travel mates doing something that was entirely contrary to the purpose of the trip: They were working.

“We were supposed to have gone to have time away; the two other girls were constantly in their email and on their phone,” the 17-year MDRT member from Glen Allen, Virginia, said. “I did exactly what I went there to do. I blocked my calendar, and I reserved that time. It’s not enough just to block it. Plan your work and work your plan. Why plan it if you’re not going to work it?”

In other words, work-life balance is something you have to put effort into, and then follow through. Shay has also organized her weekly schedule and color-coded her calendar to ensure she focuses on getting done what she needs to get done in the hours allotted, not more. She says the best investment in her business, though, and an essential element to allow for time outside the office, is staffing.

“When you have the right people in place, they absolutely protect you and help you keep your work-life balance sane,” she said.

For more Whole Person ideas

•        “Well mind and body” (pdf)
•        “Don’t allow negativity” (video)
•        “Whole Person balance quiz” (pdf)

Written by Matt Pais, MDRT Content Specialist