Work-Life Balance Myth: Balance equals everything in life existing in equilibrium

In a world where every day seems to demand more from us, finding balance can often feel like an elusive quest. 

We juggle the demands of work, family, social commitments, and personal aspirations, all while striving to maintain our physical and mental well-being. 

But what if I told you that the pursuit of balance isn’t about your life existing in equilibrium, but about honouring the life stage you are currently in so that you can create your own sense of harmony. 

In this article, I will dispel the misconceptions surrounding the notion of balance and explore a more realistic understanding of what it means to live a life filled with harmony. 

Work-Life balance: why is it important?

Work-life balance is important for several reasons, as it has a significant impact on an individual's overall well-being. Here are some key reasons why work-life balance is important:

1. Physical and Mental Health: Maintaining a balance between work and personal life helps reduce stress and prevent burnout. Chronic stress from an unbalanced lifestyle can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, heart disease, and sleep disorders.
2. Enhanced Relationships: Balancing work and personal life allows individuals to spend quality time with their families, friends, and themselves. This strengthens personal relationships and provides emotional support, leading to greater happiness and life satisfaction.
3. Increased Creativity and Innovation: Rest and relaxation are essential for creativity and problem-solving. Taking breaks and having time away from work can lead to fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
4. Overall Life Satisfaction: Ultimately, work is just one aspect of life. Achieving a balance that allows individuals to pursue their passions, spend time with loved ones, and take care of their health contributes to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

There are many myths we have been told about balance, myths that I will dispel in this and future articles. 

Two myths we dispelled and turned into new beliefs include: 

1. Balance isn’t a destination, it is a way of being
2. Balance doesn’t mean self-sacrifice

Now let me introduce you to another common myth I hear about balance. 

Work-Life Balance Myth #3: Balance equates to everything in our lives existing in equilibrium

Myth! Here is the reality. 

This belief creates a mirage of perfection making balance feel elusive.

We then feel like we’re constantly failing, compounding feelings of not being enough especially when we compare ourselves to the BS highlight reels of others on socials.

The reality is balance is not a rigid alignment of all elements of our life, but more a dynamic dance between them based on the stage of life we find ourselves in.

Just as nature finds harmony in its diversity, so do we find balance  in the ebb and flow of life's fluctuations.

Here is a mic drop for you…

The secret to shifting lies in becoming clear on what you want to prioritise based on the stage of life you’re in and giving yourself permission to let go of the attachment to an outcome for everything else.

Your Work-Life Balance Reflection 

Based on this new perspective I invite you to reflect and journal on the following question:

1. When I think about the myth“Balance equals everything in life existing in equilibrium”, what comes up? 
2. How does this knowledge impact the expectation I have of myself when it comes to chasing balance?
3. How might I use this information to start to redefine balance for me in a way that invites more harmony into my days?

Take a piece of paper and a pen and write it down. 

Final thoughts 

The key points from this article include: 

• Work-life balance: why is it important 
• The #3 of #10 myth of balance 
• Your work-life balance reflection 

If you’d like to go deeper into dispelling the myths about balance that you can inject more of what makes you feel grounded each day, listen to episode 103 of The Hacking Happy Podcast. 

Or, join theBalance Challenge kicking off October 16, 2024. This is a unique opportunity to reframe your relationship with balance and unlock sacred pockets of time that empower you to show up as the woman you long to be.

Think sustainable evidence-based action delivered to you in bite-sized pieces to reduce the overwhelm and unlock a more balanced you.

For all the details and to secure your spot click HERE.