When you recognize that one without the other is worthless, it is quite simple.  We all make choices.

I call it a discipline....one needs to think about it and make it a habit....

Goals that are in my schedule, time blocking, boundaries I enforce and when I'm at work I work, when I'm off, so is my phone & computer and I play. It's easily justified when you go hard 60 hours per week, to take evenings and a regular day off. Another trick is every December, I set up next year's calendar and write in all the non-negotiables: birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, days off, special events I'm already aware of, etc. Then I schedule work around the non-negotiables.

I have had problems with this in the past. I have learned that life and family are more important than my business.

Easy, I work with the wife :)

Scheduling and planning is key however like any fine tuned business there are daily incidents that take place where one must be set up to handle and allow the needed time off.  

Yesterday I was with a client who asked if I ever take time off and I do, but I have my business set up that my clients know they will be taken care of even if I'm not working that day.

I have to focus on it and be ure to schedule personal/family time into my calendar

Caffeine. 

The art of scheduling.  

It is indeed a balancing act.  I have learned to schedule and revise often! 

I work a schedule and unless I am doing a deal with a client on a different time zone or country, I stop taking calls at 7pm.  I let my clients know that family time is at that time.

My husband and I work hard together and get away when we can... again together!

This is a toughie for me since I mainly work from home. It seems like the two are blended constantly.  However, I prioritize whether it be a client, husband or one of my children. He/she who demands the most attention at the moment wins! So it's not really balance but more like fulfilling a demand. LOL.

It can only have 1/3 of my life weekly

Always be seeking ways to merge the two, I grew up on a farm where work was something that the whole family lived and I have continued that tradition.

It's a rollercoaster. We have a few 10-12 hour days every week, but we also have a few 3 hour days every week.  The key, I think, is to make sure that you're working when you're working and playing when you're playing. I don't like to be inefficient at work or wasteful with my play time.

It's a daily challenge.  Knowing when to say no and saying it. I schedule things that I need to take care of.  All are treated like an appointment. 

I'm pretty good at it, but sometimes the lines get blurred.  If someone in the family is hospitalized or recovering from surgery, that can take over.  If an out of town buyer is here, that can take over. I think the trick is being very flexible and being only one place at once.  If you are at work, try not to worry about what is happening at home and vice versa.  You do need to learn to draw lines.

It requires conscious and consistent energy & perspective.  I often have to make myself step away & remind myself that some things really can wait...

That does not always work so work. Work often comes first although i know i need to change, the busy summer has kept me from doing so. 

I do it really badly!  It's a dream of mine to have both personal and professional lives pulled together at the same time.

I keep a calendar and put in personal time off and treat it as an important appointment to keep. 

It just seems to happen. I do set aside important dates and events and I don't take appointments on those days. Sometimes I just have to say NO to others. 

I have friends that have get togethers.  I also tend to host Sunday Night Football during the season and I have a minor social life.

For me the balance issue isn't work and personal life it's tasks and free time. Some weeks the tasks need to fill hours usually left free but other weeks I am able to reverse the balance. It's ebb and flow with me monitoring optimal use of my time governed by my priorities.

I agree, it is an art. This balancing was a huge issue when my kids were smaller, since they frequently overruled my plans. Now, it is getting better. 

I learned to call my personal appointments - "an appointment"- either way- it is time blocked out for myself to do what I need to do!

Sometimes you just have to not answer the phone, or simply claim time for yourself.

I set appointments for family.  I keep them just like I keep the ones I make for clients.

It is an art. It's important to "be where you are".  If your with family or friends, concentrate on enjoying that time.  If you are working, focus just on work issues and don't get distracted.   As a Realtor, you always have to allow for the unexpected but setting specific work hours really helps me maintain a healthy balance in my life. 

I alternate through it all all day long getting all needs and wants met

Nice . . .  that is truly a 'balancing act' Jack Lewitz!  I've gotten better over the months of being a new realtor.  Now I don't feel guilty meeting a lady friend for a movie every few weeks.  Roger isn't a movie guy, and she is a recent widow who loved going to the movies with her husband.  Months ago, I would feel that I should be here working because Roger was, and not want to take any personal time off.  Now, I also go to breakfast once a month with a neighbor who lives alone, and is in her 80's.  We both share alot and have many laughs, and I had to realize that I was not taking time off every week, and it was to have fun with different people, who on their own now have a different lifestyle (both are widows).  So I have personally found 'a balance' of work and play, even thought I'm now always asking questions and talking about real estate 24/7 - HA! - so it is never far from my mind.  Definitely not work that I leave when I leave the office!!

Now that is a great picture.  I try but my wife is disappointed in the balance that I have.

Best is work = life ....  balanced.

As we know in advance a lot of family activities they are first into the schedule.

Jack,

Susan Emo said it perfectly!