The quest for a work-life balance is well documented. It has been assumed that this is a critical need for people, so as to avoid burnout, neglected families, strained marriages, and physical illness or even death. But this is all a lie.
Right now we are experiencing a mild doctor shortage and are headed for an absolute crisis. Within 10 years, some predict, we will be short over 25,000 doctors in this country and if you’ve ever tried to find a new GP, you already know it’s tough. The reason being cited? Burnout. Docs are leaving the field in droves due to the unmanageable pressures, overhead costs, and miserable lifestyles, among other reasons.
Like me, you’ve probably reflected on burnout and wondered if you might fall prey to the dreadful state. I’ve read articles and books, took personal surveys and even had coaching. All of it designed to help me achieve a work-life balance that will protect me from an eventual and inevitable crash.
But what if the problem is not work-life balance but instead a work-love balance?
New research is indicating that balance is an impossible idea and that there are other critical factors for long-term flourishing. One idea is that we need a work-love balance, meaning that we need a certain amount of our work that we absolutely love doing. Every job includes stuff you hate, but also includes stuff you love. Turns out that the critical tipping point might be 20%. If your work life includes 20% or more of stuff you absolutely love, you are safe from the burnout crash. Hopefully it includes even more, which becomes the strategy for long-term flourishing.
But if your job includes 19% or less of things you love doing, you are headed for a crash.
I noticed a long time ago that 20% of my effort and time was creating 80% of my real success or mission movement. I often try to create a world where I do those 20% activities 80% of the time. But this is not realistic due to the nature of managing the whirlwind of activities that require regular participation. But, if you can get that to a 40/60 ratio, you might just have the job of a lifetime.
And, fulfillment at work, where you will spend most of your waking hours, leads to greater fulfillment at home and in every arena of life.
Give it an analysis and a shot and see if you can’t grow your work-love balance.