My son and I have the same cell phone. He knows how to work every feature on it. I don't. His is loaded with apps. Mine isn't.
It's so easy to say it's a generational thing. But the truth is it's a time thing. I just haven't taken the time to learn how to use the features on my phone. I also haven't taken the time to figure out the apps that could make my work life balance easier.
So this year, my mantra is "show me how!"
If you want to take advantage of the work life benefits your company offers or all the technological innovations that could make your life easier, your mantra in 2013 also needs to be "show me how!"
Whether your goal for the new year is to lose weight, spend more time with family or get your finances in order it starts with "show me how."
I truly believe the key to work life balance and happiness is never stop learning. I guarantee you will enjoy your work more and your home life more if you are regularly challenging yourself.
That means changing your mindset from "I don't know how to work the calendar on my smartphone" or "I don't know how to use convection setting on my oven" to "I want to learn, show me how!"
Remember to be patient with yourself and to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Opening yourself up to learning is a way to become more productive and maybe even to land a promotion. It can be a way of spending quality time with your spouse, child or friend.
Today, I asked my son to show me the apps on his phone he thought I would find helpful. I watched as he downloaded them onto my phone and took notes as he taught me how to use them. I likely will need a refresher but for now, I'm off to a good start.
I hope you will include my mantra on your work/life balance resolutions for 2013. Happy New Year!
