My highest performing podcast episode is “Work-Life Balance: The Lie” because it resonates with those of us who have been led to believe we’re not doing the right things to find perfect harmony between our personal and professional selves.
We strive to excel in our careers while maintaining fulfilling personal lives, but the reality is that juggling these priorities are challenging. The traditional concept of work-life balance often sets unrealistic expectations, leading to stress and burnout. Through my own career, and my work as a Business and Executive Career Coach working with over 600 clients, I’ve managed to sort through the myths and letdowns of work-life balance to piece together a more holistic approach to leading a harmonious life.
Challenging the Concept of Work-Life Balance and Embracing Imperfection
The idea of achieving a perfect work-life balance is ingrained in our society, but it’s important to recognize that it’s often unattainable. The pressure to excel in both professional and personal spheres can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy. We feel like we’re constantly failing ourselves and our loved ones because the constant pursuit of ‘balance’ can lead to guilt and stress when we inevitably fall short of our goals.
Life is fluid and ever-changing, and our priorities and responsibilities need to shift accordingly. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, we can instead focus on creating a sustainable and harmonious blend of work and personal life that aligns with our values and priorities. Before we continue exploring strategies for improving your work-life balance, you have to first recognize that it’s okay to have moments of imbalance and that life is full of ups and downs. By accepting this reality, we can alleviate some of the pressure we put on ourselves and focus on what truly matters: our well-being and happiness. And if you want to create your own definition of success and happiness, schedule a call with me to see if it’s a good fit for you and receive 3 action-items towards your goals.
Practical Tips for Achieving a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Time Management and Boundaries
Efficient time management is, of course, foundational to balancing work and personal life. Start by identifying your priorities and allocating time and energy accordingly, while understanding that often priorities may shift as things become more urgent–and that’s ok! Remembering to schedule breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout can be an incredibly reliable tool to help keep you on track and centered; don’t be afraid of actually scheduling time off into your calendar.
And of course, time management won’t get us very far if it’s not working in tandem with learning to set boundaries. You have to get comfortable saying no to things that aren’t your responsibilities, turning down social events you don’t have capacity for, or pushing back on an unrealistic deadline. Feel free to ask yourself, “What is my responsibility here and what is not?” when trying to define a boundary. Communicate your availability to colleagues and clients, and be firm about unplugging from work during personal time.
Flexibility
Discovering flexibility in both your work and personal life is crucial for achieving work-life balance. Begin by exploring opportunities for flexibility in your work environment. This might involve discussing flexible work arrangements with your employer, such as working from home, flexible work schedules, or compressed workweeks. Communicate openly about your needs and preferences, and be willing to negotiate solutions that benefit both you and your employer.
At home, cultivate an environment that supports flexibility by creating a schedule that allows for spontaneity and adaptability as much as possible. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, and be open to rearranging your schedule as needed. Delegate tasks when possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from family members or roommates. Embrace the concept of “work-life integration,” where work and personal life are not completely separate but intertwined in a way that allows for fluid transitions between the two.
Quality Time
What is the point of life and balance if not to spend your time with our loved ones? It can be hard for many of us, but disconnect from work during personal time to fully engage and nurture relationships. Plan activities that promote bonding and create lasting memories even in small moments, whether it’s sharing a meal, going for a hike, or enjoying a movie night at home. Prioritize meaningful connections over screen time and make time for regular check-ins with loved ones. Having a hard time disconnecting from screens? Try out an app that blocks the most addictive apps on your phone during specific times of day.
Physical and Mental Health
Having poor work-life balance and working long hours has negative impacts on us physiologically. You need to prioritize your physical and mental health to maintain overall well-being. Try to incorporate exercise, mindfulness, and self-care practices into your daily routine. Schedule regular workouts, practice meditation or deep breathing exercises, and indulge in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief. Take breaks throughout the day to stretch, hydrate, and recharge your energy levels physically and mentally. Of course these things are easier said than done when we are trying to navigate professional and personal obligations, but when you see your own health as critical to your success in other areas, it gets easier to schedule time to take care of yourself.
Mastering a good work-life balance isn’t about following a strict schedule or striving for perfection between work and family. It’s about embracing imperfection, prioritizing self-care, and making intentional choices to cultivate a fulfilling lifestyle. By challenging the unrealistic expectation of perfection, we can free ourselves from the constant pressure to achieve balance at all times and instead focus on meaningful and tangible ways to improve work life balance.
If you would like further support in your career, business, or leadership, my team and I would love to support you in creating a sustainable life through our coaching services! You can schedule a 30-minute legacy business or career review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together, and you’ll receive 3 action-items from me.
