Last updated on Jun 14, 2024

Here's how you can balance your personal life and excel in your strategy career.

Balancing your personal life while pursuing a successful career in strategy can seem daunting, but it's entirely achievable with the right approach. As a strategist, you're familiar with setting goals, analyzing situations, and devising plans to achieve success. These skills are not just applicable in the boardroom; they're also invaluable in managing your personal life. To excel in both areas, it's crucial to apply strategic thinking to your daily routine, ensuring that you prioritize effectively, maintain your health, set boundaries, and continuously develop your skills while also fostering relationships and unwinding.

1 Prioritize Tasks

In strategy, prioritizing is essential for success, and the same goes for balancing your personal and professional life. Consider your goals in both areas and identify the most important tasks that will help you achieve them. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance, focusing on what will move you closer to your objectives. Remember, not everything that demands your attention is important, and learning to say no is a strategic move that can free up valuable time for what truly matters.

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2 Maintain Health

Your health is the foundation of your ability to perform well in any area of life. As a strategist, you know the importance of a well-maintained system, so treat your body with the same consideration. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. These habits not only improve your physical well-being but also enhance mental clarity, making you more effective in your strategic roles and more present in your personal life.

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3 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is vital. As a strategist, you're adept at defining scopes within projects; apply this skill to your time management. Decide on work hours and stick to them, turning off work notifications after hours to fully engage with personal activities. This separation helps prevent burnout and ensures that both your personal life and career get the attention they deserve.

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Marcelin RIDJA

REGIONAL EMERGENCY DIRECTOR - CENTRAL AFRICA
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Il est sans aucun doute fondamental d'établir des frontières nettes entre votre emploi et votre vie personnelle afin de prévenir l'épuisement professionnel et de cultiver un équilibre sain. 👉En tant que stratège, exploitez vos compétences organisationnelles pour définir des plages horaires bien définies dédiées au travail, veillez à respecter ces limites et mettez en veille les notifications liées au travail en dehors de ces créneaux afin de consacrer du temps à vos activités personnelles et à votre bien-être. Cette approche vous permettra de vous investir pleinement dans chaque aspect de votre existence et de vous prémunir contre l'épuisement professionnel.

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4 Continuous Learning

In strategy, staying ahead means being a lifelong learner. Dedicate time to read the latest industry news, attend workshops, and engage in networking. This investment in your professional development will keep you at the forefront of your field. Similarly, apply a growth mindset to your personal life by pursuing hobbies or learning new skills that enrich your life outside work.

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Katrina Read (GAICD, MIT)

Business Technology Leader | Digital Transformation | Innovation, Emerging Technologies | Non Executive Director
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Books. Podcasts. Audio books. TikTok. Whatever mediums suit you - make them part of your everyday life so you are constantly making time to challenge your thinking. Take advantage of time when you can multitask - like cooking dinner or walking the dogs.

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5 Foster Relationships

Relationships are a strategic asset both professionally and personally. Cultivate a network of colleagues who can offer support and insight into your career. Equally important are your personal relationships; invest time in family and friends, as these connections provide emotional support and joy. Balancing time between work and loved ones requires intentionality, but the rewards are immeasurable.

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Marcelin RIDJA

REGIONAL EMERGENCY DIRECTOR - CENTRAL AFRICA
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Cultiver des relations professionnelles et personnelles solides est en effet essentiel pour le bien-être et le succès. Investir dans des relations avec des collègues pour le soutien professionnel et des liens forts avec la famille et les amis pour le soutien émotionnel peut contribuer de manière significative à votre équilibre et à votre bonheur. N'oubliez pas d'être intentionnel dans la manière dont vous consacrez votre temps pour entretenir ces relations, car les récompenses en valent la peine.

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6 Unwind Regularly

Finally, strategists understand the value of downtime in preventing decision fatigue. Make it a point to unwind regularly. Whether it's through meditation, reading, or outdoor activities, find what helps you relax and recharge. Incorporating leisure into your routine is crucial for maintaining a balanced perspective and avoiding burnout, allowing you to return to work refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Katrina Read (GAICD, MIT)

Business Technology Leader | Digital Transformation | Innovation, Emerging Technologies | Non Executive Director
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Know what time of day/week and under what conditions you do your best thinking and problem solving, and manage your work accordingly. Block those times out in your calendar so you have ample thinking time. Delegate low priority tasks like emails and expenses to the time of day where you are lacking in focus and energy.

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Here's how you can balance your personal life and excel in your strategy career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Maintain Health

3 Set Boundaries

4 Continuous Learning

5 Foster Relationships

6 Unwind Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Strategy

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Here's how you can balance your personal life and excel in your strategy career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Maintain Health

3 Set Boundaries

4 Continuous Learning

5 Foster Relationships

6 Unwind Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Strategy

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