The Truth About Work-Life Balance: Why Most People Get It Wrong
- David F. Reynolds
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
We all say we want work-life balance – but what does that actually mean?
For some, it’s working less. For others, it’s managing to squeeze in the gym, meditation, and socialising without feeling like you’re burning out. But the idea of ‘balancing’ work and life often sets us up for frustration, because it implies they’re in conflict. That one takes away from the other.
⚖️ What If Work and Life Weren’t Opposites?
The idea of balance often assumes you’re constantly teetering – like life is a tightrope. But what if instead of balancing, we focused on integration? The goal shouldn’t be to escape work in order to live – but to build a life you don’t need a break from.
‘Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.’ - Dolly Parton
Work and life should feed each other. When your work is meaningful and energising, it enhances your personal life. And when you’re rested and fulfilled in your personal life, you bring more presence and purpose to your work.
🧠 3 Ideas to Reframe Work-Life Balance
Stop Chasing Hours - Chase Energy
Not all hours are created equal. Eight exhausted, distracted hours are not better than four focused ones.
Answer these questions in your journal:
👉 What energises me?
👉 When do I do my best work?
👉 What drains me unnecessarily?
Then build your schedule around energy, not time.
Design Recovery Into Your Routine
Burnout doesn’t happen from doing too much - it happens from not recovering enough.
‘The key to high performance is not working harder but recovering smarter.’ - Jim Loehr, performance psychologist
Even short breaks - 5-minute walks, a 10-minute nap, a phone-free lunch - can reset your nervous system and give your mind space to breathe.
Build Micro-Moments of Joy Into Your Day
You don’t need a week in Bali to feel relaxed. Sometimes a bit of music, five deep breaths, or a walk with a friend can do more than a long holiday ever could.
Small things compound. Add one or two little joys to your daily routine, and your whole mood starts to shift.
📌 A Few Practical Tips You Can Try Today
Schedule a non-negotiable end-of-day ritual (e.g. a cold shower, journaling, or changing clothes) to symbolise ‘work is done’.
Use a planner that tracks energy levels, not just tasks.
Revisit your values. Ask: Is the way I’m living aligned with what matters most?
Try a digital detox day once a week or month - even a few hours of no screens can rebalance your mind.
🧘♂️ Final Thought: Balance is Dynamic
Balance doesn’t mean equal time every day. Some seasons will be more work-heavy. Others will be about recovery, rest, or relationships. That’s normal.
The goal isn’t perfection - it’s awareness. When you feel off, listen. Adjust. Trust that you can re-centre.
Because ultimately, your life isn’t meant to be managed - it’s meant to be lived.
‘Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management.’ - Betsy Jacobson
If you enjoyed this and you’re ready to build a life that actually feels good, not just looks good on paper - check out the author’s coaching page. We’ll chat, get clear, and map out a path to real alignment.
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