How to Establish Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and life isn’t just a buzzphrase. It’s a lifeline to living a fulfilled, less stressful existence. Yet, many of us struggle to find that balance. Days blur together as the lines between the office and home become increasingly fuzzy, leaving us overworked, overwhelmed, and disconnected.
As I was conducting proprietary research for my book, Beyond Busyness, I came across a staggering fact that stopped me in my tracks: 94% of people reported not having time to focus on what truly matters due to overwhelming busyness.
If you find yourself constantly juggling responsibilities without savoring your wins or connecting with the things that bring you joy, it’s time to hit pause. Creating a meaningful work-life balance is possible, but it requires intentional shifts and strategies.
Understand That Work-Life Balance Is Personal
Work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Finding balance looks different for everyone because it’s not about achieving perfection; it’s about identifying and prioritizing what matters most to you.
For example, When my mother developed cancer and needed me the most, I had to pause and reevaluate what success looked like for me. So, I left the high-powered, busy roles that were eating me alive. I never missed the titles, meetings, or packed days because I was being present for her and reconnecting with the parts of my life that held true meaning.
Here are some tips for identifying what means the most to you:
Take 10 minutes to reflect on your values and what your dream life looks like to you.
Identify one or two areas in your life where imbalance creates friction—whether it’s family, health, or hobbies.
Redefine Your Relationship with “Busyness”
For years, I wore busyness like a badge of honor. I thought the more I did, the more successful I’d be. But living in a constant state of “eat-sleep-work-repeat” is deceiving – and exhausting!
Amelia, a friend of mine, spent her time volunteering locally in my hometown while also running her own business. Though she looked put-together to others, she was exhausted from juggling responsibilities, caring for her sick mom, and raising her kids, all while being addicted to the dopamine of busyness.
After attending one of my “Beyond Busyness” workshops and taking “The Busy Barometer,” Amelia realized she needed to make huge changes to her schedule in order to live a life of harmony. She made the brave decision to cut back on work hours to spend more time with her mother and children, ultimately finding greater happiness and balance.
Take inventory of unnecessary distractions in your life that masquerade as important tasks, and ask yourself how you can “cut the fat” on your busyness. You will be surprised at what you can let go of to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
Build Boundaries Between Work and Life
Creating clear boundaries is one of the most powerful ways you can regain control over your time. Establishing boundaries is not just about saying 'no'—it's about creating space for what truly matters.
Personal Boundaries
My colleague, Michelle, once confided in me that she was consumed by motherhood and household responsibilities. She decided to make a change by carving out "me-time" for activities like joining a book club, taking dance classes, and going out to coffee. Setting these boundaries helped her rediscover her identity and become a better parent.
Professional Boundaries
A study by LendingTree found that 57% of quiet quitters (or “unhappy employees”) reported an improvement in their work-life balance after setting professional boundaries. This shows how clear limits can lead to greater well-being and satisfaction, allowing individuals to focus on their values and priorities without feeling overwhelmed by work demands.
Micro-Boundaries That Make a Big Difference
I know what you might be thinking, “Peggy, boundaries sound great, but I don’t have time to overhaul my day!” Don’t worry. Micro-boundaries can be just as impactful.
Here are a few to try today:
Take a routine lunch break away from your desk.
Set your phone to “airplane mode” during family dinner.
Close your email at 6 p.m. sharp.
These small choices tell the world—and yourself—that you refuse to be consumed by busyness.
Mojo-Making: Reigniting Your Spark
Work-life balance isn’t about crossing everything off your to-do list. It’s about intentionally creating space for the things that make you come alive. I call this “Mojo-Making.”
Mojo Making centers on the choices that light you up and align your life with what truly matters. It reminds us that joy isn’t something to stumble upon—it’s something you intentionally create.
Making your mojo means shifting from surviving to thriving by focusing on activities, relationships, and goals that uplift you. Here are some things you can try to bring more “mojo” into your day:
Each week, choose three things that make you truly happy or grounded, and be disciplined about putting them on your calendar.
Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Engage fully with the joyful moments you do have.
Find Work-Life Balance Easily with the “Busy Barometer”
Are you ready to take the first step toward creating a healthier work-life balance? It starts with awareness. The Busy Barometer survey is a simple, 5-minute tool designed to identify the busy traps across 21 areas of your life that pull you into imbalance.
Once you know what’s standing in your way, you can work toward meaningful, lasting changes that transform your life.
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