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Why We Need to Kill the Myth of Work-Life Balance

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Chris Dessi
February 15, 2024

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Table of Contents

You’ve been bamboozled. Hoodwinked. Misled.

The elusive "perfect" work-life balance doesn’t exist. GASP.

The idea that work and personal life can be perfectly balanced, like scales, is a notion that sets us up for a perpetual sense of failure. It just ain’t happening, kid.

The scales will tip, often when we least expect it, and that's not just okay – it's natural.

I’ve wrestled with striking that balance most of my adult life and creating a life where work and personal activities intertwine in a manner that serves our well-being, relationships, and professional satisfaction.

Integration is about authenticity. It's about recognizing that we're the same person whether we're at a desk, in a meeting, at the gym, or playing with our kids. The skills, passions, and values we hold dear don't change based on our location or activity.

Here's how we can strive for integration rather than balance:

Set Integrated Goals:

Establish goals that serve both your professional and personal growth. This could mean pursuing a project at work that aligns with your interests or values. For example: leading a volunteer program at work.

Flexible Scheduling:

Create a schedule that accommodates work commitments and personal needs. Maybe it means starting the day earlier to fit in a workout or setting aside time in the evening for family. I am not a morning person, but I’ve been working out at 5:30 am every morning for the past 8 years. It’s the only way I have the freedom to do what I want after work.

Technology as a Tool:

Use technology to your advantage. Apps that help with productivity or allow for remote work can also be used to block off personal time or pursue hobbies. I use my commuting time (about 2 hrs a day) to listen to Audiobooks, practice my music, write here, and for my book. I can only do these things because of the technology that helps facilitate it.

Self-Reflection:

Regularly check in with yourself. Does your current integration feel authentic? What changes might make it feel more seamless? I’ve never been great with this, but I’m getting better ever since I found a therapist on Better Help. She prompts me with questions throughout the week, which helps to kick off deep self-reflection. My advice is to find someone outside of yourself who can help you.

Establish Boundaries:

While integration is key, boundaries are still important. Know when to say no and recognize when you need to step back from work to recharge.

Celebrate the Blend:

Embrace the moments where work and life naturally come together. Maybe it's a work discussion that leads to a new friendship or a personal experience that provides a breakthrough at work.

Remember, it's not about keeping work and life separate but finding harmony in their coexistence.

It's about creating a life where your professional and personal selves are not at odds but are parts of a unified whole.

In the end, the journey is about progress, not perfection. So as you navigate your path of work-life integration, keep up the good work. Your best balance is the one that feels right for you, and that's worth striving for every day.

Keep up the good work,

Chris

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