The Truth About Balance & Routine:

The Art of Balance and Routine

Balance is a word we hear often—an elusive ideal that suggests perfect harmony between all aspects of life. Many of us strive for the perfect balance, believing that if we just structure our routine correctly, we could create balance between work, relationships, and personal well-being. But recently, I’ve come to realize that balance is less about perfection and more about recalibration—a process of continuously adjusting to life’s shifting demands. This leads us to realize that anything is possible through the consistency of routine, but knowing when to recalibrate is key. We must lean in, let creativity guide us, and step into a new rhythm.

“You can have it all, you just can’t have it all at once.” Scott Galloway (On Purpose With Jay Shetty)?

That quote resonates deeply because it acknowledges the reality that balance isn’t about doing everything simultaneously—it’s about knowing when to lean into one priority while letting another take a step back, and vice versa - plus, knowing when to let go of what no longer serves our routine.

Balancing Life Between New Seasons

I’ve always valued my relationships and the work that I do. They fuel me, give me purpose, and drive my ambition. But as life has shifted, maintaining health and wellness has become more challenging. At one point, taking naps felt like an essential part of my balance—giving me the rest I needed to show up fully in other areas. Now, as I focus on activating my creative plans and deepening my professional impact and relationships, those same naps feel like they take away from time I need to be productive so even when my routine hasn’t changed, my definition of balance has.

What I’ve learned is that balance isn’t a static achievement nor should it convey an equilibrium as scales do—it’s a dynamic practice. It requires knowing where to be consistent and when and how to deviate. It’s about listening to yourself and recognizing when to push forward and when to pause.

A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Approaching balance like a marathon rather than a race has helped me reframe my thinking. A sprinter pushes hard for a short burst, but a marathon runner conserves energy, adapts to the terrain, and recalibrates along the way. Life operates in seasons, and each one calls for a different rhythm. There are times to sprint, but there are also times to slow down, adjust, and be intentional about what needs attention.

Moving Forward With Intention

So, how do we redefine balance in a way that aligns with where we are in life? It starts with:

? Self-Checkpoints: Regularly evaluating whether your routines are still serving you or need to shift is essential. Recognizing where routines exist that contribute to balance can help you navigate changes more effectively. It can be as simple as getting up to work a 9-to-5 job every day or having dinner by 6 PM with friends. Reflecting on where your routine exists and what is impacting it can help you better conceptualize what balance truly looks like for you.

? Intentional Prioritization: Accepting that you can’t do everything at once, but you can allocate energy where it’s needed most.

? Giving Yourself Grace: Understanding that deviation from routine isn’t failure—it’s an essential part of long-term sustainability.

As I continue refining what balance looks like for me, I remind myself that life isn’t about perfect equilibrium, but about the ability to adapt with purpose. Balance is not about controlling every aspect of life; it’s about trusting yourself to recalibrate when needed.

What part of your routine might benefit from recalibration?