MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) -- As a working parent, I am sometimes asked how I “fit it all in.”
I don’t think about it often, but when I do, I realize that creating balance in my life is the most important decision I make every day.
We weigh the advantages and disadvantages, make a decision and then stick to it. Then, our attitude determines the success of those decisions.
Being a commander, wife, mother and friend means there are never enough hours in the day. It’s not easy balancing work, home, church and social demands, but with a positive attitude and teamwork we can “fit it all in."
Prioritize -- everyday. You’ll never be able to do everything. Letting go of daily routines can prove difficult but you get to choose what things must be done each day. I can’t reschedule my son’s hockey or basketball games, but I can review staff packages later in the evening or the next day.
Some days the mission must come first, and the basketball game can get taped (technology is truly amazing). Each of us has to decide how to use our time as wisely as possible and make the most of it.
Simple things such as a goodnight story or listening to how a spouse’s day went are often the most important activity of all. To have balance in life, it’s important to remember that. Often, I get distracted by the e-mail awaiting my attention but I try to remind myself to strike a balance and head home to my family.
Positive attitude -- always. Some days are easier than others; that’s life. However, even on the tough days, a positive attitude and a smile will help get you through them.
In services, we train on customer service techniques -- a smile and a friendly greeting are one of the basics. Try to remember that when you’re attempting to scramble from one meeting to the next while your inbox is piling up and you know you have to get to your physical health assessment on time.
We’ve all been there and felt that stress -- the attitude we take to “fit it all in” makes the difference.
Communicate -- so all understand. It’s amazing how understanding everyone is if you just explain why and what you’re doing. Even children have a better attitude if you tell them why you’ve got to stay at the office and that you’ll do something special with them at a later time. Just make sure you stick to that later date.
My work team is very understanding when I explain that I have to run out for a parent teacher conference, but I’ll get their package to them by the end of the day.
Communication allows everyone to be on the same page and to voice their opinion. It allows us to explain our position on a given situation and gives an ultimate game plan to those you may be affecting.
Family -- your own and your Air Force family. Remember that you always have someone to rely on. Learn to ask for help when you need it. It’s all about teamwork, both at home and at work.
Either one of your families will pitch in and help if you simply ask. We’ve all been trained to be solid wingmen; that’s important both on and off duty. When you notice someone struggling at work, ask if you can help out with a project or watch their children for an hour so they can fit in a workout -- stress relief.
At home, remind your family that if everyone pitches in with the chores you can all play a game together later that night. No one knows better than you what you need help with. Don’t be too proud to ask.
You may not always feel in control but consciously thinking about how to manage the details will help you manage the balance between work and home. Make sure you challenge yourself to not get too overwhelmed by work and miss out on family life or feel too tired to enjoy a social life.
Work smart and play smart. You can make sure you “fit them all in” by working your priorities.
And remember to schedule in at least one full week of leave during the calendar year. We all need a break to refresh ourselves. That’ll keep you one step ahead of the game, most of the time.