Are you accepting Vulnerability as part of your life now? Or are you still resisting?

Denial and resistance are one of the stages of grief, and it is ok to go through it.

With today's global crisis, we have no option, but to learn through the hardship of it. This is the only way to start tackling the worthiest challenge in the workplace right now: the harmony between professional and personal life. In today’s world (and in the decades since the industrial revolution) we are spending more time at the workplace than at home. We aren’t spending enough time with our loved ones and family (although COVID-19 has changed this temporarily). If you are dedicating your life to work to make ends meet and support your family you will eventually burn out, or worse.

A week consisting of two working days and a weekend of five days - can you cope?
The idea of having a week with two working days and a five-day weekend is a revolutionary idea that will cause many people to anxiety. Questions abound! What am I going to do with so much free time? Do I really love my partner enough to spend that much time together? What do I really love doing? If you stop to think, you will notice how technology already frees up so much of our time. For example, 30 years ago a therapist with his own private practice would have had a secretary, an assistant, and an office. Today, a reliable laptop and temporary office space does the trick. This is only one example of many.

If you didn’t have to work, would you be where you are now?

The dominant mindset is that we all must be working and busy with everything in life, but when it comes to free time people have no idea what to do. Hence why the most important question is: if you didn’t have to work because you had enough money to do everything you wanted and needed to, would you still work? If you answer ‘yes’, what would your chosen career be? Who would you work with? What kind of relationship would you have with your loved ones if money wasn’t an issue?

Easier life, bigger the Discontentment

While life is becoming easier to live than the beginning of the last century, the discontentment with it is growing stronger. No wonder mental health issues are a serious matter.  In an article written by Derek Thompson talking about the culture of Workism, it is said that most people feel obliged to have a ‘carrier’ - a 21st century invention – and once the invention is discovered with clarity, they should do whatever it takes to achieve it. Powerful revolutionaries and popular entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates promoted this concept. This is causing many of us to be unsure of what to do with our leisure time. People have no idea what to do when they are not at work. Working is becoming an addiction without limits, as if it’s the only way to have a fulfilled life.

Harmony between Personal & Professional Life

For the corporate world to improve staff wellbeing, I suggest the questions above be considered. We all know that the main intention of a business is to generate profit, however, it is coming to a point where the harmony between profit and the development of human wellbeing will make the difference. Considering this will enable better mental health in the workplace and in personal lives.

An article titled ‘Emerging Challenges for HRM Practitioners’ says that some companies are adopting flexible work arrangements which complement school hours, annualised hours and phased retirement. This is just one example of capitalism engaging with an integrative life which meets human needs and workload. (I assume that after COVID-19, a few significant changes will be implemented in the workplace).

However, it is sad that among higher executives I always hear that the words ‘balance’, ‘harmony’ and ‘wellbeing’ are unwelcome, if not forbidden in board meetings. It shows the conflict between the capitalism and individualism system we all live in is against the holistic life we all dream about it.

Reconciliation between Capitalism & Authentic Life

How can we have both? Is it even possible?

As an idealist, I believe it is possible. Simon Sinek is a well-known advocate of this concept, and I agree with him. In order to work, it will need to start at the top with company shareholders then trickle down to higher executives, and so on. The greed for profit and status quo will be put in check and questioned. All levels in the corporate world will start to feel vulnerable about their personal and professional life. There will be no more division between personal and professional matters. Jobs will have to be done, but they will be done with the awareness that we are human beings with feelings and personal issues. Vulnerability is a topic that many people are talking about, but not many are practicing - for obvious reasons.

The Authentic Life Training

In order to make vulnerability the base of corporate and human transformation, the Authentic Life Training will have to be implemented. This program takes time, effort, and engagement from everyone, and will create the most powerful trust between participants of the Program. It is a process of training that has the power to make the capitalism system work for human development - NOT the other way around, as it is now. It is not easy, much less enjoyable. It will not happen overnight, and will take more than a year. It will depend on the size of the group participating in the program. In larger groups it may take three to five years, if all members engage properly.

Will you engage? Do you want to engage? Are you ready for the deeper and authentic journey - the harmony between personal and professional life for the greater good?

I, Felipe Oliveira, am a Group Process Facilitator. I designed this Training to bring harmony  between the personal and professional life.

I hold a Master in Counselling, a decade of experience in men's work, registered with PACFA, and Founder & Managing Director of Counselling Men Project.

To learn more about me, Felipe Oliveira as a Registered Counsellor, visit this link.

To read about The 9 Topics of The Authentic Life Training, Head here.