Do all areas of your life need to be in order to attain balance? If you listen to societal expectations we’ve been led to believe that the answer is yes. But in reality, this is not only unrealistic, but sends people down the path of burnout.
As you will read in the article, I will challenge that balance and what we choose to give our energy to is actually linked to the life stage we find ourselves in.
You will read my own example from my life stage and what balance looks like for me. I will also ask you to reflect to help you define balance on your terms.
Work-life balance examples
Have you ever wondered what balance would look like for people at different life stages?
Let me share with you mine.
I am in the 0 F's stage. As I'm nearly 50, my son is 13 and I'm shedding caring for the judgement of others and instead truly owning the life I want to live and stepping towards that unapologetically and with compassion for self and others.
For example, for me it's showing up fully for my son when it matters most, it's positively impacting the lives of others and being healthy so I feel good.
Reflect on my example and at the end of the article I will ask you to define your own.
But if you are on the hamster wheel, trying to find balance, why not explore a few other truths about balance that might help you create your own definition. Choose a topic that resonates with you:
If you feel like you’re spread so thin that no one is getting the best of you this next myth of balance was made for you.
Work-Life Balance Myth #9: Equal attention is required in all domains of your life in order to attain elusive balance
Myth! Here is the reality.
Dividing our attention equally among all life's domains leaves us feeling like we’re running on empty.
Striving to give equal energy consistently to work, family, health, and personal growth realistically means that we’re spread too thin and it’s highly likely nobody is getting the best of us.
Harmony emanates from giving ourselves permission to be intentional in what we prioritise creating the space to be present and immersed in life in a way that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
The stage of life that you are in will determine what you choose to give your energy to.
Sometimes, work demands more, while at other times, family beckons—balance is found not by dividing and conquering, but by intentionally prioritising the needs of the moment.
Work-life balance question
Based on this new perspective I invite you to reflect and journal on the following question:
Take a piece of paper and a pen and write it down.
Final thoughts
The key points from this article include:
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 105 of The Hacking Happy Podcast.
Or, maybe it is time to show yourself some self-compassion when it comes to chasing that elusive work-life balance.
Download via the linkhere, my FREE Self Compassion tool to help you be kinder to yourself when you feel like you’re falling short on the balance front.
Perhaps consider ditching the word from your vocabulary and instead embrace the power of harmony.
