Life-work balance experts often point to the need to separate your work from the rest of your life. Some people advise you to leave the office at a specific time. Or stop checking email at night.
If you’re like many executives, you may feel guilty thinking about work when you’re at home, or you’re thinking about what you need to do at home when you’re at work.
For leaders who are mission-driven, their purpose is such a driving force that work and life become intertwined.
We view “work” a little differently. It can’t be confined to time spent in the office. Instead it’s a quest to make the impact you really want to make — with ideas running through your head throughout the day (and sometimes, the night).
You can’t draw lines between different segments in your life. Work is a part of life.
You’ll drive yourself crazy if your goal is to seek complete life-work balance. The key is recognizing when you need to devote attention to what. And for you to be intentionally spending your time and energy on what really matters.
At times you’ll be more focused on a specific project, problem or need more than another at the moment. You’re human. You get to decide what’s most important at any given time.
So instead of trying to rigidly control different areas of your life, be flexible in moving in different directions as you need to.
Resist the urge (or advice) to categorize different parts of your life.
Instead try focusing on what you really want to achieve overall. The rest will begin to fall in place.
Achieving balance should not be a goal in itself. Live the best life you can in whatever way is most meaningful to you.
Let your mission and values be your guide.