Here's how you can integrate self-reflection for work-life balance as a nonprofit leader.

Integrating self-reflection into your routine as a nonprofit leader can significantly enhance work-life balance. In my experience, a daily check-in helps me assess my emotional and mental state, allowing me to make adjustments and prioritize self-care. This practice keeps me grounded and effective in both my professional and personal life.

Grab a notebook and start recording events, thoughts and feelings. Date your comments. If you miss a day or a month, keep coming back and making notes at whatever intervals you can. The consistency will reveal patterns. I recently did a speech for my Toastmasters International Club reflecting on my Path over the previous two years. Having a calendar journal where I made notes enabled me to examine my progress. Looking back, I saw things I hadn't recalled on my own. Having the notes to jog my memory changed my perspective. I'd allowed feelings of disappointment over a few things, to become a globalization that distorted reality. Recording my events, thoughts and feelings, gave me the information I needed to course correct.

We allow flexible scheduling and remote work, which is a great way to help with work-life balance, at our non-profit. The critical thing is to clearly communicate what the boundaries are for the entire team. For example, my team knows I prefer not to work prior to 10am, so that means they may get emails from me at 7pm. But, if they work 8-5, no response is needed on their part until the next day. It is critical to have a policy of sorts in place though to ensure communication doesn't fall to the wayside. Another option is that even while working remotely, staff should be prepared to respond to work related emails within 2 hours during the "typical" workday hours of 9am to 5pm unless you are in a meeting that is longer than that.

Are you being too communicative, available, responsive? If so, you might be the one setting up yourself for failure as it relates to boundaries around accessibility and communication. Does your team know your communication preferences? What are your non negotiables?

Shut your door, grab a pen and pad, set a timer for 15 minutes. Answer: "How can I integrate my personal goals in my professional life? Jot down everything that comes to mind in your self-interview. At the fourteen minute mark, review your notes and circle the answers that resonate. Pick on to add to your to-do list.

Having a supportive peer network is crucial for me. Beyond work-related goals, I have personal aspirations that I'm committed to achieving. My peers and I regularly gather to update each other on our progress. Prioritizing self-care and exercise is essential to me. During our meetings, we discuss challenges hindering our time management and collaborate on solutions. I've discovered that when prioritizing my well-being, I approach tasks enthusiastically, feel less resentment, and am more inclined to go above and beyond. It's akin to the airplane safety advice: secure your mask before assisting others.

Integrating self-reflection for work-life balance as a nonprofit leader involves several steps. First, encourage regular self-assessment sessions where leaders evaluate their workload, priorities, and personal well-being. Encourage them to set boundaries and prioritize tasks effectively. Provide resources and support for stress management and work-life balance strategies. Foster a culture that values and supports self-care, modeling healthy behaviors yourself. Finally, periodically review and adjust organizational policies to ensure they promote a healthy work-life balance for all team members, including flexible work arrangements and time-off policies.

Try this: Dedicate 15 minutes daily to answer a puzzling question like: How can I be a more effective leader today? What if the meeting goes "horribly" right instead of wrong? What am I learning about X? Review and highlight your notes for insights. This practice grounds you and offers clarity on tough question--an awesome return for 15 minutes.