By Published On: 22 January 2025
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Your CEO Watches Netflix, Why Aren’t You?

In today’s high-demand work environment, it can feel like long hours and constant hustle are the only way to stay ahead. Mid-career jobs are exhausting and chaotic. You see it happening around you—colleagues working tirelessly, and the expectation is that everyone, especially those in leadership roles, is constantly working. But, here’s a reality check:

Newsflash #1: Your CEO Watches Netflix Too

That’s right—your CEO doesn’t work 24/7. In fact, the idea that leaders are always grinding is a myth. In reality, they take breaks, watch Netflix, and enjoy downtime. The truth is, work-life balance isn’t about working around the clock—it’s about ensuring that you prioritise not just your career but your well-being too.

The pandemic brought with it an opportunity to rethink our relationship with work. Remote work, hybrid schedules, and flexible hours should have made achieving a better balance easier. Yet, many of us still find ourselves caught in a cycle of overwork and burnout.

Newsflash #2: Work-Life Balance Isn’t About Dividing Hours

If you’re following productivity gurus who suggest waking up at 5 am for a perfect morning routine—juice, workouts, inbox zero—this likely won’t work for you. True work-life balance isn’t a set schedule or a series of tasks to check off.

Work-life balance is how you feel while meeting your responsibilities, managing your mental health, and achieving what you want from both your professional and personal lives. It’s a nuanced balance of work demands and personal needs, both of which vary greatly from person to person.

The True Definition of Work-Life Balance

Researchers show that there isn’t one-size-fits-all advice when it comes to work-life balance. People manage it in different ways: some need very rigid boundaries between work and personal time, while others thrive with more integration of the two.

If you’re interested in finding out your balance type, take a quick quiz HERE to learn whether you’re an integrator (someone who blends work and life) or a separator (someone who prefers distinct boundaries).

Newsflash #3: Forget Achieving Perfect Balance

Achieving perfect work-life balance is a myth. Just like balancing on a bicycle, work-life balance requires constant adjustment. Certain life events—a new family member, a change in job, or even a big birthday—can throw us off balance, and that’s normal.

Work-life balance isn’t static; it wobbles. New priorities emerge and force us to reconsider how we manage our responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to check in with yourself regularly. If you feel out of balance, it might be time for a reassessment.

How to Achieve Better Work-Life Balance

While work-life balance doesn’t look the same for everyone, some tips can help get you on the right path.

  • Set Boundaries: Whether you’re an integrator or a separator, setting boundaries with work is crucial. Let your workplace know your availability, and be clear about what time is dedicated to personal life.
  • Prioritise Mental Health: The demands of work can take a toll on your mental health. Regular breaks, exercising, and engaging in hobbies can help combat burnout. Also, taking regular vacation time is essential for maintaining balance and reducing stress.
  • Learn to Say No: As a business leader or an employee, you’ll be presented with many tasks and obligations. It’s important to know when to say no, which can help you preserve your personal time.
  • Flexible Work Schedules: The ability to adjust your hours, whether through remote work or flexible schedules, can significantly improve job satisfaction and reduce work-related stress.
  • Practice Life Integration: Rather than keeping your work and personal life in constant opposition, try to find ways to integrate both. Taking a walk during lunch, responding to emails during breaks, or participating in after-work activities can help you feel more balanced.

Work-Life Balance and Its Positive Effects on Career Success

It’s important to note that work-life balance doesn’t mean sacrificing your career. In fact, workers with a balanced lifestyle tend to have better job performance and higher productivity. A well-rested, mentally and physically healthy employee is more likely to contribute positively to the workplace.

Additionally, businesses that prioritise workplace well-being often experience lower turnover rates and improved job satisfaction. Employees who have a healthy balance are more likely to stay with the company long-term, which benefits business owners and employees alike.

Stress and Burnout: The Consequences of Poor Work-Life Balance

Poor work-life balance often leads to stress, burnout, and a decrease in productivity. The constant demands of work, if unchecked, can spill into personal life, affecting relationships, hobbies, and overall well-being. In turn, this can contribute to decreased job satisfaction and an increase in sick days.

Work-Life Balance for the Workplace: What Employers Can Do

Employers play a crucial role in fostering a culture of work-life balance. Leadership should promote a healthy work environment that allows workers to achieve balance without sacrificing job performance. Offering flexible work schedules, understanding the needs of employees, and encouraging mental health support can go a long way in maintaining balance within the workforce.

Take the Quiz and Discover Your Balance Style

If you’re unsure whether your current work-life balance is working for you, take the work-life balance quiz HERE to discover your style. It’s an insightful way to assess your current approach and identify areas where you may need to make adjustments. Work-life balance isn’t a destination, but an ongoing journey—one that’s about finding harmony between your personal and professional life.

Wrapping Up

In the end, work-life balance isn’t about a perfect split between the two; it’s about finding a balance that works for your mental health, your career, and your personal well-being. While there are many demands on your time, with the right tools, resources, and mindset, you can navigate them all and create a lifestyle that works for you.

Schedule a 30 minute meeting with me today to reimagine your career – and begin your journey to a more balanced life.

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