3 Strategies to Balance Work and Romantic Relationships

If you’re anything like me, the question of where to dedicate your time probably pops into your head quite often. On the one hand, you’d like to spend as many hours as possible with the love of your life.

However, you also want to be productive and build towards financial security so you’ll be monetarily ready for marriage once that special moment comes around. Today I’m telling you that you don’t have to choose between the present you crave and the future you dream of.

This article is going to explore three distinct strategies that you can use to ensure you still forge enough memories with the person who means everything to you without sacrificing your work ethic in the process.

#1 — Workdays and Off Days

Perhaps the most straightforward strategy is to simply divide your week up into two categories: career and romance. On workdays, resist the urge to visit your significant other or spend hours on the phone with them. Instead, prioritize finishing as many tasks as possible.

By clearing your plate of any outstanding projects, you’ll be able to direct your full attention to the individual that makes your heart skip a beat on your day off. This helps you make the most of your time together as you won’t have clients following up in the middle of a movie marathon.

#2 — Hourly Division

Couples who live together won’t really be able to effectively utilize the first strategy since they share the same space for the majority of the week. This is where hourly division comes in. Set a specific window in your day for work.

For instance, you could focus on pending assignments between 1 PM and 4 PM (this is merely an example, tweak as needed.) If you slack during that productivity session, then penalize yourself with an extra hour. When your future wife is the finish line, you’ll keep sprinting.

#3 — Cuddle Incentives

Renowned psychologist B.F. Skinner used his theory of operant conditioning to prove how rewards could increase a behavior. To apply this to the context of relationships, tap into your innate drive to be intimate with your true love.

Writers who need to finish their backlog of orders could be rewarded with a kiss for every 500 words they write. Of course, it goes without saying that you should only apply this strategy if your dearest sweetheart is comfortable with that level of intimacy.

Conclusion

As you can see, career and relationship goals aren’t an either-or scenario. When you work smarter instead of harder, you’ll be able to hit professional milestones without feeling like you’re missing out on quality time with your other half.

Do you know any couples who struggle with this delicate balancing act?

Share the post with them in the name of love!

P.S. Myka, if you’re reading this, I love you ❤️️