For years, I was the poster child for trying to achieve a perfect work-life balance. I juggled it all—work, family, personal time, you name it—and religiously followed every strategy in the book: time-blocking my day, making family time “nonnegotiable,” squeezing in early-morning workouts. And I took everyone’s well-intentioned advice to heart:
- “Give 100% at work!” Check!
- “Be fully present with your kids!” On it!
- “Weekly date nights are the key to a happy marriage!” Got it!
- “Friends and family are everything!” Agree!
- “Prioritize your health and wellness!” Will do!
The buzzy, meant-to-be-empowering phrases and sayings we hear all the time make it sound simple, even achievable. But the truth is so much more complicated.
While I was racing to be the “perfectly balanced” wife, mother, leader, employee, daughter, sister and friend, those around me would tell you I was falling short. Trying to go all-in on everything all the time is simply not sustainable. Not only that, but it’s unrealistic—and a recipe for disappointment and burnout.
That burnout forced me to change the way I was working and living. I needed to find a rhythm that worked for me, one with less clearly defined boundaries and more flexibility (which, for a type A personality like mine, can feel like a dirty word).
Making a change requires conscious, daily effort. I give myself positive self-talk. I allow my work-life balance to be more fluid. And I give myself grace when I have to pivot.
I have missed the first day of school to attend meetings out of town. There are times when I am on a conference call while also driving the carpool. But I respect and accept that different seasons will demand different priorities and time from me. Some days require work to be more of my focus; other days allow more time for life.
This new rhythm has offered me what striving for perfect balance never could: harmony. And it sounds pretty good to me.
Until next time,
Amy Somerville
CEO of SUCCESS® Enterprises
Photo courtesy of ©Mike D’Avello
