At the end of 2021, I started my writing career. I began with a simple blog which has evolved into me writing both independently published books and curated articles for different publications on Medium. The theme of writing links back to my belief that we should all be striving to find Work:Life Harmony in our lives. In my writing, I like to present the invaluable learning situations that occurred throughout my career.
What is Work:Life Harmony?
Work:Life Harmony is about fitting my work into my life rather than trying to fit my life into my work. Some people’s lives are constructed so that they live to work. I’ve constructed my life to work so that I am able to truly live. To do this, my work absolutely needs to be an extension and expression of who I am, otherwise, there is no path to experiencing inner harmony.
For me, this is about being able to lead one life. It’s not about feeling like you have to have two completely disconnected lives that you trade between and try to find the perfect balancing act. It’s about allowing yourself to find a job and/or a role that feels very much like a part of you. You don’t feel like you are a different person when you’re at work then you are when you’re away from work. It allows you to find more peace in the activities that you’re choosing to do. Whether the activities are ones that you get paid for or don’t get paid for, you find such a sense of peace from choosing to do those things, that it absolutely helps build more harmony in your life.
There is a word in the Japanese language for harmony: wa (和). What I love about this word is that it also means peace and acceptance of what is happening around you. This is the type of composure that I am referring to when I say Work:Life Harmony. It simply means that the work that I am choosing to do will be able to find peace with the life I am leading. There is no conflict between the two.
Testimonials for “Always Improving: Lessons from the samurai”
“If you’ve been struggling with purpose, balance, or any part of your personal and professional development, you have to get this book. The author lays out a simple program for focusing in on what it is you’re really working for, and achieving that balance through time-honoured principles of action.
The accompanying (free) workbook and journal are an invaluable resource as well. As a coach, trainer, and professional I’m constantly reading and looking for new ideas to both implement in my own life and share with my clients. I can say, without hesitation, this is one of the best books I’ve read on the subject of improvement this year.” – Steve Baric
“The first book I have read that applies the eight virtues of Bushidō in a practical and actionable format. Combining positive psychology and samurai wisdom, Always Improving: Lessons from the samurai, is a humanistic approach to kaizen (change for the better) and living life authentically with the concept of Work:Life Harmony.”
A book worth reading not only for Quality & Project Management professionals, but for anyone wanting to apply samurai wisdom to both their professional and personal life to improve themselves.” – Nicholas Kemp
Is Work:Life Harmony What You’ve Been Looking For?
You’re at the point of decision. You can either continue down the path of least resistance, the path you have already been traveling, or you can choose the road less traveled. The path of least resistance will probably result in you getting the same outcomes you’ve always received. But if you want something different to happen, if you want to change the direction of your life and feel Work:Life Harmony, you’re going to have to do something different. Make a new choice, and pursue your new outcome.
Steve Beauchamp 