It’s becoming more and more clear to me that in order for me to do more of the things I want to do with my life, I need to be more productive with the things I must do with my life.

Trent over at TheSimpleDollar.com wrote a really good post on Work-Life Balance. I appreciate that it isn’t the usual mumbo-jumbo of prioritize and try harder.  He offers some pretty practical tips.

My favorite tips and my personal comments:

Leave the office early and reduce your wasted time at work. I know a lot of people that dork around for a couple of hours each day talking sports, surfing the internet or making phone calls. Then when five o’clock rolls around they buckle down and get to work in a panicked effort to meet their deadlines.  They wish they didn’t have to work late each night but “they have so much work to do.” Move the deadline up a couple of hours and focus.  It’s easier said than done but the key is to really leave early.  The reward of leaving early will drive the focus.

At the first of the year, I went on an internet “fast.” I didn’t allow myself to look at a single web page from the office for a whole month.  It was dead-painful at first but I eventually broke the horrible habit of web-surfing at work.  It’s made all the difference in the world. I’m able to focus on my work without the constant distraction of the-world-at-my-fingertips.

“Unwind” with something personally and spiritually fulfilling and relaxing. I think that’s why I like exercising and going outdoors so much. It really helps me lose the mental baggage of a work day.  My recommendation is to take a walk outside before and after work. Walk during breaks as well. You will find that during your walks your mind will unwind and creativity will jump out.

Actually use your vacation time, even if it’s just spent around the house. I wrote about this a while back. I’m a big proponent of taking one Friday off a month. The practice has made my personal life more productive and fun as well. I know a day off  is coming each month so I know there are projects or events I can schedule on that new found 3-day weekend. It’s very relaxing and stress reducing.