why work-life balance is a myth ⚖️
"there is no such thing as work-life balance - it is all life. the balance has to be within you." - sadhguru
topic
✦ the myth of a balanced life ✦
for years, we've been taught that achieving work-life balance is an attainable goal, with countless tips and tricks strewn across platforms like youtube and linkedin, all advocating for increased productivity to plow through workloads quicker. however, the notion of a perfect equilibrium isn't entirely realistic. typically, what you tackle on any given day is dictated by what must be done rather than what ranks as your top priority.
consider this scenario: your personal focus for the day might be to advance your new side-hustle. yet, circumstances can swiftly alter course, perhaps due to starting a new job or experiencing a significant life event like the birth of a child, which demands your full attention for the foreseeable future. striving for an equal balance between work, life, and other domains during these periods of clear priority might only lead to added frustration.
despite the inherent lack of balance, it's crucial to carve out time for your priorities, be it hitting the gym, nurturing your side-hustle, or indulging in personal time. however, this allocation may not always mirror an equal split among the various priorities in your life.
tips
✦ what to focus on instead of balance ✦
accept that balance is not a reality
the first step is to understand that you will never truly achieve an equal balance between work, family, leisure activities, and your personal priorities.
this understanding can help alleviate frustrations.
work on your key priorities first
you should always aim to carve out some time each day to do whatever you feel like. this could include going to the gym, playing sports, working on your side-hustle, and so on.
however, it's essential to clearly define your priorities for the day to make the most of your spare time.
adjust your schedule where possible
if you're struggling to find time for your personal activities, try adjusting your schedule.
for instance, you could go to bed earlier so you can wake up earlier and have a few hours to work on your side-hustle before your job.
question
✦ what are the main areas of your life (e.g., work, family, hobbies) that you prioritise, and how do you allocate your time accordingly? ✦
any form of improvement begins with self-reflection, so start by understanding how your routine is currently set up, and then make tweaks from there.
thoughts from others
"work is a rubber ball. if you drop it, it will bounce back. the other four balls - family, health, friends and integrity - are made of glass. if you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered." - gary keller
