An easy path to work-life balance.
Is it possible to achieve work-life balance?
This question is getting tons of attention on social media. But I’m afraid the answers are over-complicating the topic.
I’ll give you the punchline first. Yes, it’s possible, and it’s an easy path.
The reason people can’t achieve balance is they set personal and professional goals independently. And those goals tend to be incongruent.
Let me give you a simple example from my alcohol-free journey. 5 years ago, I set a goal to take a break from the sauce. My WHY was simple: I wanted to know how I’d use the time and money normally wasted on booze.
I was a Chief Innovation Officer for a large chain of multiple restaurant brands. The industry is notorious for working hard and playing hard. i.e. epic social events with gross hangovers.
As I considered this commitment, I wondered, “How will abstinence impact my career?”
Do you see what I did there? I pitted my career vs. my health. My goal could’ve turned to shit. I might’ve compromised and said, “Well, I’ll still drink at work events.”
So I created the illusion of imbalance.
It didn’t take long to realize how much stronger I’d be at work if I was alcohol-free. I wouldn’t be consciously and unconsciously worrying about whether I was drinking too much. Instead, I could wholly focus on my team and be a better leader.
I resolved it was possible to take my career seriously AND focus on my health & wellbeing.
As a result, I sat down with my direct boss who was the CEO. I shared about taking a break from alcohol. I carefully explained that while I didn’t have a problem, my drinking wasn’t a solution.
I asked for his grace at work events & happy hours. I shared how I would still attend those events and ask the bartender for soda water with a lime in a highball glass. Finally, I reiterated I would never judge anyone who chose to partake.
(By the way, 5 years later and still haven’t had a sip. It’s been absolutely life changing!)
After sharing this story, I would humbly encourage you to consider this: pivot your thinking from work-life “balance” and try to achieve work-life “congruence.”
When you set a goal in the category of work, challenge yourself to design your life (with the support of your impacted loved ones) and create needed adjustments.
Same for when you set a goal personally. Design your work (with the support of your boss) and create needed adjustments.
More than anything, design a career & life that congruently considers who you are and what you stand for.
This is WHY we worked on your personal brand in the last 3 newsletters.
It’s also WHY I designed the live Mastermind course, Reset Your Compass.
Ask yourself, “What do I want most in my career & life I don’t have now?”
But consider the whole question: “…in my career & life…”
Your coach,
Chris
P.S. I’ve opened the waitlist for my next live mastermind cohort, Reset Your Compass. People on the waitlist will get first dibs before registration officially opens and a special bonus during the course.
