Becoming more efficient means working smarter, not harder. Working 8 hours straight per day is hardly good for you – mentally or for your work product. What about people working 10, 12 or more hours per day? America, particularly, is a culture of work. Balance is something envied but not often realized. You work to make money to buy things you don’t need so you have to keep working to pay for it. It’s a never-ending cycle.

I don’t know about you, but I’m over being burnt out. I certainly have stints where it feels like I’m nonstop busy with work (like this week), but it is actually balance (I took a mini, long-weekend vacation). As with everything in life, it’s give and take.

I recognize that, in reality, it may not be as simple as it sounds. We all make choices, and we should make the ones that are right for us and our situation. Most of us need to work to pay the bills, but how about creating a lifestyle that needs less or a job opportunity that pays more? There’s a workaround if you’re willing to be creative. Send me an e-mail if you want to brainstorm together – always happy if I can help others live a less stressful and more fulfilling life.

Want to read more? See my tips to avoid burnout in this month’s article on Entrepreneur.com. And if you like this piece, please share with others!