Redefining Work-Life Balance: An Empowering Approach
Many people come to me looking for better work-life balance, often thinking it’s about rearranging their schedule or carving out more time. But balance isn’t always about doing less work or having more personal time—it’s about how we feel about the time we do have. Instead of striving for a perfect split between work and life, what if we focused on making the time we do spend feel more meaningful and aligned?
A More Personal Perspective on Balance
Rather than asking, How do I balance everything?, try asking, How does work fit into my life?
Balance isn’t a fixed equation; it’s a dynamic and personal experience. Some seasons of life will require more of your energy at work, while others allow more space for family, rest, or personal growth. The key is to ensure that your life, as a whole, feels meaningful to you—not to fit an external ideal of balance.
Focus on What You Do, Not What You Don’t
A big part of work-life balance is perspective. Instead of dwelling on what you aren’t doing, focus on what you are doing.
Consider this thought: “I don’t spend enough time with my kids because I get home late from work.” This perspective can create guilt and frustration. Instead, reframe it: “I had meaningful time with my kids this weekend.”
That small shift can make a big difference in how we feel about balance. The same applies to other areas of life—maybe you missed an evening workout because of a late meeting, but you took a 20-minute walk earlier. Instead of thinking, “I skipped my workout,” try “I moved my body in a way that worked for me.” Reframing what we do rather than what we don’t do creates a more positive and empowered mindset.
The Power of "Something Rather Than Nothing"
One of the biggest barriers to feeling balanced is the all-or-nothing mindset—the belief that if we can’t do something perfectly, we might as well not do it at all. But balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about making small, intentional choicesthat add up over time.
For example, maybe you don’t have two hours to commute to the gym and take a class. But you do have 30 minutes for a brisk walk outside. Instead of thinking, “If I can’t do my full workout, I might as well skip it,” try “I moved my body in a way that fits my schedule today.”
The same applies to personal time, relationships, and self-care. If you can’t spend an entire day with loved ones, even an hour of focused, present time can be meaningful. If you don’t have time to read a whole book, a few pages can still be valuable. These small choices create a sense of balance, even when life is busy.
You Can’t Always Control Your Schedule, But You Can Control How You Feel About It
One of the biggest challenges in work-life balance is the feeling of being out of control. Deadlines, meetings, and unexpected obligations can make it seem impossible to create the perfect schedule. But while you may not be able to dictate every hour of your day, you can shape how you feel about your commitments.
Think about a time when you felt energized and fulfilled by your work. Was it because your schedule was lighter, or was it because you were engaged in meaningful work? Often, our experience of balance has less to do with how many hours we work and more to do with whether we feel aligned with what we’re doing. If work feels like a burden, every hour spent there feels like a sacrifice. But if it aligns with your values, it becomes a meaningful part of your life rather than something that competes with it.
Creating Your Own Definition of Balance
Ultimately, balance isn’t about achieving a perfect split between work and life—it’s about making intentional choices, shifting your perspective, and recognizing that you are a whole person with unique needs and priorities.
If you’re feeling out of balance, start by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself:
What moments bring me the most joy and fulfillment?
How can I bring more of those moments into my life?
How can I reframe my mindset to focus on what I am doing rather than what I’m missing?
What small choices can I make today that move me toward a better balance?
When you take this approach, balance is no longer something you strive to achieve—it’s something you create based on what works for you. And that’s a far more empowering way to approach work, life, and everything in between.
How We Can Work Together
If this resonates with you and you're looking for a more sustainable, fulfilling approach to work and life, I can help. As a leadership coach, I work with professionals who want to feel more aligned, more in control, and more energized in both their work and personal lives. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies and mindset shifts tailored to your unique challenges. If you’re ready to create a version of balance that works for you, let’s connect.