Success in all sections of our life depends on keeping a healthy balance between them. Author, mentor and mother, Zanele Mbokazi, shares how she manages to find inner peace through balance.
1. Dream big and start small
If you do not know where you are going, how are you going to get there? Life-altering actions always begin with dreams, big dreams, that are based on a big picture of what you want and why you want to achieve what you want. Once you are grounded in your dreams, you need to translate them into goals that are simple, achievable, measurable and timebound so that you can see your progress and stay motivated.
2. Plan everything and write it down
Any successful women knows that planning is essential. Mbokazi’s to-do list includes everything from family time, business commitments, self-care rituals and much more. She knows from experience that detailed planning allows her to fulfil all her roles, be there for everyone who needs her and still reserve some energy for herself. Attention to detail, quickly executing each task, and having a written record of your plan is key to avoid getting side-tracked.
3. Prioritise and focus
To make sure you are working towards achieving your goals, you need to take a step back often to check if what you are doing every day is in line with them. Ask yourself if what you have planned to do today is taking you closer to your dream tomorrow. Only then can you prioritise which to-dos are most important and focus your energy on a realistic path to achievement.
4. Recognise your inner voice
We all have that inner voice that can be our biggest critic. It is important not to ignore it, instead recognise it, and accept it, and you remove its negative power. Mbokazi has given her inner critic the nickname ‘nunu’ and will repeatedly tell that negative voice ‘not today nunus’ as a way of claiming power over potentially negative thoughts and reinforcing faith in yourself.
5. Find your tribe
No woman is an island, and you cannot do everything for everyone all the time. Pay attention to those around you who are able to help and delegate responsibilities and tasks in your home and professional life. Empowering those around you, creating a sense of agency and giving gratitude to those who help you makes them feel valued and gives you a way to balance your time. If you cannot pick up the kids from school, somebody in your tribe should be able to. In life and business, your tribe will support you and make sure you do not buckle from the stress of trying to do everything.
