I’ve been asking myself this question (how to live a balanced life when there are deadlines) this week. I’ve discovered for my personality type (workaholic) it’s not possible to be balanced when I’m in the zone. This happens to me all the time in a corporate setting or working at home.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE DEADLINES

When there are things that need to be done I just “power” through to complete all of my tasks. Yes, you can set priorities and work on your most important ones but there are times when there are deadlines that are beyond your control and all you can do is to complete your work in that short amount of time.

My advice to you at this moment is to stay awake and let your family know what you are going through so they can be more understanding as to why you are constantly in your office working.

Once you are done with your project, make sure to carve out some time for the family. And that’s how I stay balanced. Yes, I’m not balanced while I’m working several days in a row, but once it’s over I can relax with the family.

Also remember to take care of yourself while working hard. When I’m in the zone I lose my appetite and forget to eat. I can’t explain it but I get so caught up in the work that I lose all concept of time. And that’s how I know this line of work is my passion. I also wake up in the middle of the night since I can’t sleep and end up executing my ideas on the computer which was keeping me awake anyway.

Unfortunately working on this JenOnLife.com website for the past two days has flared up my “tennis” elbow (although I don’t play the sport. They should call it computer elbow in my case). Currently I’m forced to take it easy. 🙂

As I’m writing this post (on the couch with my elbow extended and a pillow underneath my elbow to help support it), I’m realizing that I need to be more aware of my workaholic tendencies and to remember to take better care of myself. I tend to get this way when I work on web launches. It’s fun, tiring, and creative all at the same time.

As you get older, your body can’t do what it used to so you need to listen to it. In my case, it’s telling me to rest and stop typing. So this is my last post this week. I’ll take a break from the computer this coming week and next. I need to rest my elbow. You’ve got only one body, one life. Take care of yourself.