Impacting how we work.
Is work / life balance a Truth or a Myth?
Is work / life balance a Truth or a Myth?
Have you ever wondered why I’ve tried to quit my business three times in the last four and a half years? Yeah… me too.
The truth is, my business and personal life were out of alignment. I was experiencing burnout, and feeling as if my work was competing with my family for my attention. Even when I was home, I couldn’t be there for myself and my loved ones as I wanted to be.
You might think that working from home would improve this situation, but it didn’t. Instead, it made me realize that achieving a perfect work-life balance is more myth than reality—have you bought into that myth?
Rethinking Balance: Embracing Seasons
Instead of striving for an elusive balance, we should focus on understanding the different seasons of our lives and our businesses. (My Daddy would be so proud that I’m finally putting my farmer’s daughter’s knowledge to good use!)
This concept isn’t dictated by the calendar year; it’s shaped by your fiscal year, business model, and personal circumstances. Let’s break them down, based on the model of our nature’s seasons:
Winter aka “Slow Season” is where you are resting, recuperating and taking time to regroup.
Spring aka “Preparation Season” is where you are re-evaluating the efforts of last year and planting your seeds for this year. What worked, what didn’t and where do we need to re-train?
Summer aka “Busy Season” is just what we said… busy! You had better be rested, because this is when those opportunities are ready and you need to use all of your effort to take advantage of them.
Fall aka “Year End” is where you get to wrap up the busy season. Even though it’s slower, it’s not time to stop yet. This is the season where you get to finish strong!
So, what season are you in? Are you trying to maintain an even balance all year round, or are you planning for the natural ebbs and flows of life?
For instance, if you have fully rested during Slow Season then you’ll have enough energy for Busy Season. Also, if you have been wise during Preparation Season to set up the most efficient procedures, the team will be able to finish strong at Year End and not lose momentum. Each year, you’ll know how well you did by evaluating each individual season.
Consider this: What if we shifted our mindset from expecting constant balance to embracing healthy seasons? Are there times when big projects demand your full attention? Are there moments when you can prioritize family time and rest?
Reflecting on Your Current Season
When you complete a busy season, do you simply shift back to balance, or do you adjust your time budget accordingly? It’s essential to recognize that each season has its challenges and rewards.
By acknowledging the season you’re in, you can enjoy the present moment without the pressure of maintaining an impossible balance.
Basically, rather than chasing the myth of work-life balance, let’s embrace the truth of the seasons we experience. Embrace the busy times, cherish the moments of rest, and enjoy the journey. After all, life is too short to be anything but present in the season you’re in!
