We live in an active, ‘always on’, world. Technology envelops us and makes ‘instant everything’ possible, which can become invasive without thoughtful planning and management. Work is always present and therefore accessible, such that it is difficult to manage within boundaries.

I’ve long felt that “Work-Life Balance” was a misnomer, since work is part of life and these elements can coexist, especially if you are happy in both dimensions. Yet that phrase suggests work and life are opposing forces, somehow balanced upon a fulcrum. Up and down we go, as we seek to keep one from dominating the other.

This dilemma was given a refreshing perspective for me through a fascinating article that speaks to the potential “harmony” of these two dimensions. (I’ve included the link for you below this post). The authors speak to the elements that can lead to such harmony and, importantly, they also offer a practical formula for understanding how to go about achieving it. (There’s an imbedded link within the article to an insightful ‘test’ hosted by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, which will enable you to gauge how well you’re doing.)

At the heart of achieving genuine harmony are these very human needs, which the authors explain by utilizing the “DRAMMA” model, proposed by the psychologist Ed Diener and his colleagues:

• Detachment is our “need for psychological disengagement from effortful tasks, such as certain work-related activities or care-taking responsibilities”.

• Relaxation is our “need for periods of low activation of the body and the mind, and it is fostered by activities that demand little physical or intellectual effort and that place few social demands on us”.

• Autonomy is our “need to experience a sense of ownership of our behavior, to feel in control of our own choices and actions”.

• Mastery describes our “need for seeking learning opportunities and optimal challenges to experience feelings of achievement and competence”.

• Meaning is our “need to engage in activities that provide us with opportunities to gain something valuable and important in life”.

• Affiliation is our fundamental “need to care for others and feel cared for”.

I find that thinking deeply about these specific dimensions is helpful in defining activities that will move me closer to realizing “harmony” in composing the music of life. No single aspect or activity can fulfill all of our needs but the right mixture can create fulfillment and help us enjoy the journey.

Tempus Maximize!

Citation

How to craft a harmonious life

by Jessica de Bloom & Merly Kosenkranius