Ken Warren has a national reputation as one of the leading practitioners and speakers in counselling. He has worked successfully with individuals, couples and families for the past 20 years. His specialities include relationship counselling, anger management, alcohol and drug abuse and adolescent behaviour.

What would make you happy?

May 11 | Ken Warren

We all want better balance in our lives, but many of us struggle in achieving or maintaining it.

There are increasing demands on our time and the benefits of email and mobile phones are countered with the costs of making it hard to have a life outside of work.

Work-life balance is not something you achieve and then never have to worry about again. It is something you need to constantly monitor and work at over time.

To move in the direction of creating more balance in your life, you first need to know what type of thinking is going to motivate you to take action.

Is it the benefits of change – feeling happier and enjoying life more? Or is it more the thought of avoiding the costs of living your life out-of-balance for too long – strained relationships, feeling stressed and dissatisfied, or possible health problems?

Write down what is motivating for you and then regularly remind yourself why you need to take action.

Secondly, you need to identify what it is that will help you to feel happier. Do you need to re-connect with friends, reconnect with a hobby or passion, or have more fun in your life?

Perhaps you need to give yourself a regular break from responsibilities, or act to improve your health?

We are all different. You are the one who is best placed to identify what will help you to feel more satisfied with your life.

Number three on my list is you need to set some personal goals and schedule time to achieve them.

Our goals might be as simple as to start up an exercise program three mornings each week or to speak with your partner for 20 minutes each night after the children have gone to bed.

Have these activities either in the front of your mind or schedule time for them in your diary. Unless you can make more time in your day, you will need to start giving priority to those things that are important.

Ken Warren speaks to workplaces about how to bring out the best in their people. Subscribe to his free newsletter through www.kenwarren.com.au and receive three e-books on becoming happier at work.