Having breadth and balance in our lives is important, but achieving this can be difficult, especially for dedicated, career-minded professionals. Life is busy and full, and it’s easy for work and careers to take on a life of their own, consuming too much energy and leaving little for everything else.
In medicine, the time required for study and work makes balance particularly challenging. Combine this with life phases like nurturing relationships, starting a family, raising children, or caring for loved ones, and the daily and weekly demands can feel overwhelming.
Finding balance was a recurring theme in many of our coaching conversations throughout last year. The purpose of this article, especially as we begin a new year, is to encourage reflection on practical steps toward greater balance and less overwhelm.
What practical steps can we take to support our intentions and priorities as the year unfolds?
Here are four steps to get started:
- Think carefully about the things you want to include in your days, weeks, months, or year, and set them as priorities.
- Be realistic about when and how to make time and space for these activities.
- Take concrete steps to create and protect this time.
- Share your priorities and plans with others to foster understanding, accountability, and even stronger relationships.
Below, we expand on these steps with examples of balancing activities and ways to ensure they don’t get lost as the year becomes busier.
Step 1: Think, reflect, prioritise
Many doctors shared the sadness and frustration of missing family time and special occasions due to meetings or other obligations. While some things are unavoidable, you can protect important dates by putting them in your calendar now. This also signals their significance to others.
What key dates and priorities matter to you this year? Consider areas like:
- Family: Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations.
- Personal time: Exercise, hobbies, or time to unwind.
- Social time: Connecting with friends or peers.
- Leave: Holidays, annual leave, or time for caregiving or community responsibilities.
Step 2: Time and resources required
For each priority, think about the time and resources you need. Examples include:
- For a birthday: Do you need a full day off, or simply no meetings before 9:00 am?
- For exercise or a hobby: Would an hour a day or an hour a week work best? What days can you consistently set aside?
Step 3: Set aside this time
Once you’ve determined what’s needed, block the time in your calendar. By doing this, you commit to these priorities and shield them from competing work demands. Calendar reminders also keep these important activities visible when you’re scheduling new commitments.
Step 4: Share with others (as appropriate)
Communicate your priorities with the relevant people, such as your partner, colleagues, or practice manager. Sharing helps others plan around your schedule and creates accountability. Even small conversations about your priorities can build stronger professional and personal relationships.
Life is busy, and time fills up quickly if we don’t protect it. Taking time now to identify what’s important can help you maintain engagement and sustain your energy throughout the year. With clear priorities and boundaries, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges without feeling overwhelmed or desperate for a break.
References
By Dr Anna Clark (PhD)
The goal of these short 'Leadership Insights' is to share key concepts and ideas on effective leadership, along with practical tips for applying them in your own context. Look for a new insight every two weeks in the Check-up.
Dr Anna Clark is AMAVs Leadership consultant, coach and educator, currently offering individual coaching for doctors and directing the AMA’s professional development programs in leadership, the Emerging Leader Program and Middle Leader Program.
If you are navigating a leadership challenge and would like to speak with one of our leadership coaches, schedule a Leader Check-In, an exclusive benefit of membership for AMA Victoria members.