Designing Your Ideal Work Life

As a coach, one of my jobs is to help clients determine what's not working professionally so they can be more effective and less stressed. I tend to question anything that makes work harder than needed because too much complexity makes it impossible to thrive.

My clients appreciate my perspective but when I share alternatives, I often hear "no one does it that way", "that’s not the industry standard" or "my clients/team/boss will never stand for that". While I don’t argue, I do help clients explore and find options that support their success and their well-being.

If you’re stuck in work modes that aren’t right for you, here are some ideas to consider.

Change your environment

Unlike many who made the shift during the pandemic, I’ve always worked from home and never needed (or wanted) the overhead of regular office space.

I love coaching in person as well and when I first moved to L.A., I’d meet clients in various locations. While I never traveled far, it became harder over time to keep my schedule in check…if you know L.A., you know the traffic!!

Soon, I started to hold meetings in one spot exclusively - a gorgeous hotel lobby overlooking the beach - and offered local (or visiting) clients a "live" Discovery Session, additional in-persons as needed and the rest virtually. This made all the difference for me and it worked beautifully for my clients too.

While you might prefer working from home, at your office or a hybrid, you might also like a totally different setting, even for special projects. Libraries, coffee shops and co-working spaces (each of which I’ve also worked at before) can help you change your routine and be more focused and creative.

Find your virtual blend

When I was first introduced to virtual coaching (by phone!) more than 20 years ago, I liked the idea but couldn’t imagine practicing it.

Coming from a psychotherapy background, I assumed I wouldn’t be able to truly connect with clients if we weren’t in the same space. Not only did I learn to love virtual work but I’ve created deep, lasting relationships with clients I’ve never met in person.

Before it was common, I also helped advisors, attorneys, fitness pros and designers move to a virtual model to open up their market and consolidate their time. While many have stayed with that, some are shifting to more in-person work as they’ve tired of being “online”.

Many companies now offer flexible work and understand that it supports productivity and retention, especially for women. So if your situation allows, know that you have options and take time to find environments that suit you best.

Balance your schedule

Taking charge of your schedule can help you manage overwhelm, be more efficient and set boundaries with yourself and with others.

Everyone’s ideal schedule is different and, depending on what you do, you may have more or less control over your time. But having coached high-level women with extra-busy professional and personal lives for years, I can tell you that anyone can tweak their time for the better.

Whether it’s having clear office hours, taking vacation or wellness days or carving out focused time for specific activities, optimizing your calendar can be life (and work) changing. I’ve helped clients negotiate four-day weeks, recreate their daily routines and set limits to honor both their work and life. For me, it’s no nights, weekends or Wednesdays (unless absolutely necessary).

Remember that YOU are at the core of your professional life and improving how, when and where you work gives you the best chance to excel. Take the time to brainstorm and make the changes you know will support you most…then watch what happens to your success.

Did you know you can coach with me for just 3 sessions?

My short, sweet and powerful Success Makeover will give you:

• Clarity on where your work and life are headed

• A strategy and plan to support your growth

• The mindset you need to make it all happen

Whether it’s a business/career pivot, upping your game and your income or minimizing burnout, I designed this program to give you the support you need at a more affordable more quickly. Learn more and schedule a chat with me about your Success Makeover now.