As a woman in leadership, balancing your career, finances, family life and extracurricular activities can be challenging. Your responsibilities can pose various demands on your life that can make you feel overwhelmed and out of balance. In this age of mobile communications, technology can play an important role in helping you achieve a more balanced life. Here are 3 areas of your life where technology can help you achieve balance:
Your time: Most PDAs come with really great features to help you manage your time. Take the time to read the manual that comes with your PDA and maximize its functionality. For example, in addition to the basic calendar functions the Palm Treo has a programmable voice that will speak to you and alert you of your appointments. The iPhone allows you to download some great applications to help you manage different aspects of your life. You can manage everything from your to do lists to travel management programs that keep track of your frequent traveler programs to goal setting programs that help you develop new habits.
Your finances: Programs like Quicken or Quickbooks provide great tools to help you manage your finances. These programs allow you to link to your online banking accounts and provide you with a comprehensive and up-to-date view of your finances. These programs also provide great features like bill pay as well as spreadsheets, charts and graphs. The programs are user friendly and you have the option to link them to your PDA if you want to monitor your accounts when you’re on the go.
Your social life: Social media have become powerful and effect tools to strengthen already existing relationships and to form new ones. Programs such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have revolutionized the way we connect with each other and how we share information. You can share photos, videos, audio files and news articles. If you haven’t already, consider joining a social media network to stay in touch with family and friends. Short and regular updates throughout the week will give you a glimpse into the lives of those in your network and help you feel connected even when you’re on the go.
Your career: Technology can help you to streamline your work day so that you work more efficiently. For example, there are various Google applications such as Google docs that can help you to promote collaboration and to share information with colleagues. You can save time and cut back on travel expenses by hosting video calls via Skype rather than face-to-face meetings. Skype is free and all you need is a computer with a webcam. Technology can also help you to expand your professional network through social networks like LinkedIn. Finally, you can expand your knowledge and learn new things through webinars and online courses from the comfort of your office or home.
Technology should never replace personal connections, but when approached in a thoughtful way, it can be useful in helping you maintain the right balance in your personal and professional life.
Ellie Nieves is a women's leadership speaker. Through her keynote presentations, breakouts, retreats and workshops she helps women to develop leadership skills, set strategic goals, bolster effectiveness and create a personal brand. For more information visit www.EllieNieves.com or e-mailellie@ellienieves.com.
© 2010 by Ellie Nieves. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.
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