The Myth of Work-Life Balance (And What to Aim for Instead)
JennyEvans.com
From Overstressed to On Fire: Empowering Resilience for High-Performers and Women Leaders
Raise your hand if you’ve ever chased work-life balance and somehow ended up more stressed than before.
We’ve all been there—trying to create the perfect split between work, family, and personal time. But here’s the truth: balance is a myth. It implies a perfectly measured life where everything gets an equal share, but reality doesn’t work that way. Some days, work takes over. Other days, your personal life needs all your attention. And sometimes, just making it through the day is the biggest win.
So instead of chasing balance, what if you aimed for work-life harmony?
Harmony gives you flexibility. It allows for shifts, adapts to changing priorities, and most importantly—it makes space for you.
Let’s dive into why the balance ideal sets you up for stress, and how harmony is the real key to a life that works.
Why Work-Life Balance is a Set-Up
1. Balance Expects Perfection
Balance assumes everything—work, family, hobbies, self-care—gets equal attention at all times. But life isn’t that predictable. Some seasons demand more from work; others pull you toward personal priorities. When you expect perfect balance, you’ll feel like a failure every time things shift.
2. Balance Creates More Stress
Trying to juggle everything flawlessly leads to guilt and burnout. The pressure to “do it all” convinces you that success means spinning every plate at once. But let’s be clear: you are not a circus act.
Harmony, on the other hand, allows for ebb and flow. It’s about being intentional—letting some things pause while focusing on what truly matters.
The Power of Work-Life Harmony
Harmony is about flow. It aligns your time and energy with what’s most important in this moment. Some days, work takes center stage. Other days, it’s family, health, or even a Netflix night. And that’s okay.
Balance vs. Harmony
Think of harmony like an orchestra. Different instruments take the lead at different times, but together, they create something beautiful. Your life should function the same way—flowing between priorities rather than forcing them into equal slots.
The Foundation of Harmony: Purpose and Priorities
Know Your Purpose
Your purpose is your internal compass, guiding where your energy should go. Without it, it’s easy to stay busy without making real progress.
Define Success for This Season
Success isn’t fixed. Some seasons prioritize career, others focus on family, health, or personal growth. What matters is that your focus aligns with your values.
Make Yourself a Priority
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Your well-being is the foundation that supports everything else.
Building Work-Life Harmony: The Key Steps
1. Define Your Priorities
Ask yourself: What matters most right now? Your answer may change over time. Some seasons are career-driven. Others may be about family, health, or personal growth. Be clear on what deserves your energy.
? Write down your top three priorities and let go of the guilt for not doing everything at once.
2. Align Your Schedule with Your Values
If family is a focus, block out dinner time like it’s a non-negotiable meeting. If self-development is key, schedule time for that course you’ve been meaning to start. Your calendar should reflect what actually matters—not just what’s urgent.
3. Set Boundaries That Support Your Goals
Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re protection for what’s important.
? Say no to things that drain you.
? Limit after-hours emails if personal time is a priority.
? Guard your energy as fiercely as you protect your deadlines.
4. Check in Regularly
Harmony isn’t “set it and forget it.” Schedule weekly check-ins to see if your actions match your priorities. If they don’t, adjust. Harmony is dynamic, not static.
5. Build in Recovery Time
Even the busiest schedules need space for renewal. Whether it’s a workout, a journal session, or sitting in silence for five minutes, recovery isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Stop Chasing Balance. Start Creating Harmony.
If you’ve been chasing balance and feeling like you’re falling short, it’s time for a new approach.
? Harmony is your power move. It’s about aligning your time with your values, setting boundaries without guilt, and giving yourself grace to shift when needed.
Don’t know where to start? If you’re ready to stop the stress cycle and start creating harmony, here’s the perfect next step:
Join other professionals in my FREE 5-day challenge and learn how to:
? Prioritize what truly matters—without guilt.
? Create a schedule that supports both success and well-being.
? Set boundaries that protect your energy and time.
? Make work and life feel more sustainable and fulfilling.
Register now (limited spots available!)
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Let’s do this—together.
If work life harmony feels impossible, are you saying yes too much?
What’s Your Take?
Have you struggled with work-life balance? What’s helped you create more harmony? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.