ARE YOUR LIFE AND WORK IN BALANCE?

When you entered the B4T arena you had a vision of what your life and work would look like. So how’s it going?  Is the business working for you? Are you working for the business? Are you in control? Or is the business running or should I say, ruining your life?

Here are some short questions to help you understand if your life and work is in balance. Number a piece of paper 1 to 9 and write your answer next to the number. Wives, if you are working, please answer for yourself. If you are not working, answer for your husband as you perceive things; husbands need your perspective too.

1) I’m clear that my job/business supports and allows me to accomplish my personal goals.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

2) My job/business relies on my expertise for day-to-day technical work. Without me, everything would fall apart.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

3) I believe I am reflecting God’s plan and His values in my workplace.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

4) My work often feels overwhelming and out of my control—I can’t get away from it, even at home.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

5) When I come to work, I’m energized by knowing exactly what I’m personally getting out of work and how my work is positively impacting others.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

6) I struggle with the thought that my job/business is not assisting me in accomplishing my EV/discipleship/CP goals.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

7) I have time and space for strategic thinking at work.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

8) Three or more days a week, when I wake up in the morning, I abhor thinking about going to work.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

9) I trust my employees/direct reports and I am confident about delegating responsibilities to key people.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Disagree            Neutral Strongly Agree

Total the scores for questions 1,3,5,7,9  =  ______  Score A

Total the scores for questions, 2,4,6,8    =  ______  Score B

If your A score is 34 or greater, and your B score is 20 or less, you are in a good place.  If either score is not in the “good” range, I’d suggest you get a coach and/or a mentor to walk you through your life and work.

If you need a coach or a mentor, I’d strongly encourage you to attend the B4T conference in Asia we are holding for workers next month, where you’ll be able to meet both coaches and mentors and talk with dozens of other B4T workers who can both encourage and guide you.  You may only attend by invitation, so if you need an invite or if you need info on the B4T conference, write me.

 

 

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.