One of the most commonly used buzzwords and hopeful aspirations for leaders is the idea of work-life balance.
It’s the idea of achieving homeostasis in every area of our lives – from work to home and everything in between.
However, this noble yet lofty idea is rarely realized.
It fact, it often serves as a pain point and source of residual, underlying stress in our lives.
Have you been there? I know I have.
But, what if there was a different perspective?
Days, weeks, or seasons of our lives are rarely balanced. There are times when we need to be all in at work or all in at home. There are times when certain areas simply require our attention.
Enter: The Pendulum.
A couple of weeks ago I traveled from PA to TX to lead a workshop for some amazing leaders. This required me to be away from home for 3 days. The pendulum swung towards my work.
But the key to finding peace in our busy seasons and building a healthy life is making sure the pendulum swings back.
So, I got home and spent the weekend present and engaged with my children, booked an Airbnb and took my wife on an 18 hour overnight (15 minutes from home), and settled back into my routine. No work, no emails, all family.
The Key?
- Looking ahead at where the pendulum needs to swing for a period of time.
- Planning how it will swing back (and making sure it does.)
- Giving yourself permission to be present where you need to.
- Course-correcting where necessary.
Seeking “balance” often leaves us feeling stressed and guilty. But reframing our perspective to the “pendulum” better allows us to find peace and prosperity in our relationships and responsibilities.
This week, ask yourself:
Where is your pendulum currently?
Where do you need to ensure it swings back to?
