Welcome to my 2nd instalment of the A to Z of the career success series where we have now moved onto the letter B.

Balance
Work consumes a significant part in all our lives as well as keeping the lights on at home.
So, how do we achieve a work-life balance when it is becoming more challenging to separate our work and personal lives?
Creating a healthy work-life balance is not only crucial for health and relationships, but it can also improve your productivity, and ultimately your performance.

Action
Bring some self-awareness to your work-life patterns.
For one week, keep a daily schedule tracking of where you spend your time.

Dividing your time into 30-minute blocks, Identify and colour code where you spend your time: work, family/relationships, personal development, TV and social media, time outdoors, etc.

Use this information to make informed decisions about how you spend your time, changing your habits to incorporate more balance and purpose in your life.


Boundaries
Success in your career relies on an ability to focus on your tasks and goals. I’m fond of the notion that we can do anything but we can’t do everything. This is where boundaries are important.
Boundaries help us to establish what we are choosing to focus on and equally what we are not going to do. Boundaries also allow us to set intentions with others who may push additional work our way. Saying no to tasks that are beyond your current boundaries will not only free up your time but will also gain you respect.

Whilst it takes courage to say “no!” in the workplace, the successes arising from a more focussed approach are often recognised by both managers and peers.

Action
Set aside time to focus on your current role and your ideal outcomes. Consider some of the things that are getting in the way of you achieving success. Now get clear on the boundaries that you will need to achieve your desired focus.

Communicate your boundaries as appropriate explaining your adjustments are aimed at improving your performance and success in the role.


Brainstorming Career Options
Brainstorming is often used in the workplace - workshopping new ideas, looking for creative solutions, and shaping strategies. But how often do we use the technique to identify career options for ourselves?
 
Brainstorming captures your thoughts and ideas in a stream of consciousness that is unfiltered and without evaluation. Some of these ideas can lead to new opportunities or lead to even more career ideas.
 
Action
Brainstorm any work ideas you have, no matter how fanciful. Include training courses that you might be interested in. If you get stuck, ask a good listener to support you.

For more creative solutions think about the following 3 categories.
(a)    Similar - ideas, similar to the job(s) you have already done;
(b)    Complementary - ideas related to the work you have done
(c)    Breakthrough - job ideas which are completely different.


Blocks and Bridges
The idea with blocks and bridges is to bring into awareness those things that are getting in the way of your career success (Blocks) and also to identify those resources you can draw upon to meet the challenges (Bridges). Often, increased awareness of blocks can help to minimise their impact.
Bridges can include developing new skills, support from colleagues, or utilising your own personal strengths.

Action
Divide a piece of A4 paper into 3 columns in landscape orientation.
In the first column, write down the things you would like to achieve or what your career objectives are. 
In the second column, write down what you think is stopping/hindering you (blocks)
Next, consider what resources or steps (bridges) you could use to overcome them. Write these in the last column. 
You can talk through the Blocks and Bridges with a friend or colleague who you feel comfortable talking to.