Creating a work/life balance is often seen as the ultimate goal, but achieving it can feel elusive. While the idea of balance sounds simple, there are many misconceptions about what it really looks like and how to achieve it in a sustainable way. Note the word ‘sustainable’!
Here are seven things no one tells you about creating a healthy work/life balance that lasts.
1. Work/Life Balance Doesn’t Mean Equal Time for Everything.
Many people think balance means dividing your time evenly between work and personal life. In reality, balance is about being intentional with your time and focusing on what’s most important in the moment.
Some days, work may take priority, while on others, your personal life comes first—and that’s perfectly okay.
I teach my clients a mindset shift: don’t look for ‘balance’, but instead strive for ‘harmony’.
2. Saying ‘No’ is Just as Important as Saying ‘Yes’.
To create real balance, you need to get comfortable saying no. Plain and simple.
This can mean turning down additional tasks at work or declining social invites that don’t serve your priorities.
Setting boundaries is crucial for protecting your time and energy, and it allows you to focus on what truly matters.
I teach my clients about the importance of identifying your values because once you do that, decision making is A LOT easier.
3. Guilt-Free Rest is Essential for Productivity.
Rest is often seen as the opposite of productivity, but the truth is, taking time to recharge is essential.
When you allow yourself to rest without guilt, you’re actually more productive in the long run.
Regular breaks help prevent burnout and keep you energized for both work and personal responsibilities.
I teach my clients to schedule this time in their calendar. For example, labeling it something along the lines of ‘rest break’. One of my clients labels theirs ‘me time’.
4. Balance Looks Different for Everyone.
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for work/life balance. What works for one person might not work for you, and that’s okay.
Your version of balance might include working late some nights and taking mornings off, or it could mean strict 9-to-5 hours with weekends fully reserved for personal time. The key is finding what works for your unique lifestyle.
I teach my clients multiple time and stress management techniques because I understand that everyone’s different and what might work for a college student may not work for a mom of 4.
5. You’ll Need to Reassess Your Priorities Regularly.
Achieving balance isn’t a one-time task—it requires regular reassessment.
As your career and personal life evolve, so will your priorities. Every few months, take time to reflect on whether your current routine is still serving your goals, and make adjustments as needed.
I teach my clients to reassess every 3 months (at the minimum), as well as encourage them to reassess after any life transition (break up, loss of a loved one, moving, changing careers, etc).
6. Boundaries Aren’t Just for Work—they’re for Life Too.
Most people think of boundaries as something you set at work, but they’re just as important in your personal life.
Whether it’s limiting distractions, managing toxic relationships, or setting time aside for self-care, boundaries in all areas of life are key to maintaining balance.
This is a good time to review #2 again (saying ‘no’ is just as important as saying ‘yes’).
I teach clients how to have those (sometimes awkward) conversations when setting boundaries.
They share with me specific scenarios/people they want to set boundaries with, and we craft verbiage to use and role play how to handle those situations.
7. Balance is a Skill You Build Over Time.
Work/life balance isn’t something you master overnight.
It takes time, self-awareness, and experimentation.
The more you practice setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, and reassessing your goals, the easier it becomes to create lasting balance in your life.
I teach clients about the importance of patience when practicing new techniques such as boundary setting and how ‘experimenting’ with different strategies can be fun. One of my favorite mindset shifts is using the word ‘experiment’, allowing us to take pressure off of ourselves.
Conclusion
Creating a sustainable work/life balance isn’t about rigid schedules or unrealistic expectations.
It’s about flexibility, setting boundaries, and recognizing that balance is an ongoing process.
By making small adjustments and being mindful of your needs, you can achieve a balance that works for you, not against you.
Ready to take your work-life balance to the next level?
If you’re looking to create a personalized plan for achieving lasting balance in your life, check out my ‘Chaos to Clarity: How to Get Your Sh*t Together’ course.
It’s packed with practical strategies and tools to help you stay organized, reduce stress, and find more time for what truly matters.
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