Create Life-Work Balance, Not Work-Life Balance—Framing is Everything

Dear Readers,

Here’s another excerpt from chapter 1 of my book, Burned Out to Lit Up: Ditch the Grind and Reclaim Your Life. It’s on a topic we talk about here at Dear Glinda from time to time—life-work balance (where the life comes before the work, and work is but a part of a rich, joy-filled, full-bodied life).

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I’ve come to loathe the notion of work-life balance as it has become a torture chamber for people trying in vain to get that “balance right,” as though the elusive state is but one book, meditation, or massage away. It’s a lose-lose scenario, and it subconsciously elevates one of life’s activities (work) above all others.

Sadly, it’s perfectly fitting in America, where most folks do put work above health, family, fun, everything (and are shamed or made to feel like lazy bums if they don’t).

You may have heard this elsewhere or concluded it on your own, but there’s no way to get that work-life balance “right” between societal demands and career. It’s a trap to even think balance is possible by being even more efficient, sacrificing even more of ourselves and our basic human needs. This sacrifice is a recipe for so much stress and pain.

Work-life balance is a con, and we must reject it in order to reclaim our inner power and our lives—body, mind, and spirit.

For me, this realization was astonishingly liberating. It allowed me to rebuild my life without the pressure and shame of feeling like a failure so I could choose my priorities consciously, set boundaries, and show up more freely, authentically, and joyfully in all realms of life.

It is why I now refer to this lovely balancing act as life-work balance, a simple reordering that makes all the difference.

I’ve learned that the way to power, possibility, and purpose lies in crafting a lifestyle meant for actual human living and thriving, one where life comes before work and work is simply one of many elements of a rich and full life.

You know the best part? When ordered properly, both the life and the work are so much better for it. When I’m centered and fulfilled in my multi-dimensional life, my work is more creative and higher quality, and I show up with the humanity needed to connect with others and lead high performing teams where people are seen and contribute their best. And I’m so much more relaxed and fulfilled in my personal life, showing up with more patience and care for those most important to me.

What a win-win.

This lifestyle can take many forms and can exist within organizations as well as among solopreneurs. With hybrid work arrangements and four-day workweeks becoming more prevalent, there are more opportunities than ever to get creative with ordering our habits, days, and lives in service of crafting a life worth living.

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Looking to align your life and work more closely with what matters most to you? Let’s chat and see how I can support you.

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Hi! I'm Cara , a Career Strategist and Empowerment Coach helping high impact women leaders ditch the grind and reclaim their lives. ??

I also wrote a playbook on recovering from burnout, to be released in October 2023. It’s called Burned Out to Lit Up: Ditch the Grind and Reclaim Your Life. ??

Hit + to follow for more posts on burnout recovery, life/work balance, wellbeing, and stepping into your power. Looking forward to connecting, sharing learnings, and supporting your journey.?????