Balance is Not a Myth (But It’s Hard as Hell)

Balance.
Such a simple word. Yet so elusive. We all crave it — between work and life, between goals and rest, between being proud of ourselves and being seen by others.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a front-row seat to imbalance. Budget season hit like a freight train. And through the chaos, I had three hard-earned lessons about balance that I want to share — and maybe they'll help you too.

⚖️ 1. Balance Between Daily Work and Self-Development

Let me be blunt: I was working non-stop. Weekdays, weekends, day and night — buried in spreadsheets, presentations, and deadlines. Eat, sleep, budget, repeat.

Then came a brief pause between budget cycles.

And I felt… empty.

No joy. No direction. Just a shell running on autopilot.

The problem? I gave everything to the job and left nothing for myself — not even ten minutes to read, reflect, or just breathe.

The lesson: Your job may need your time, but your life needs your attention.

Action: Schedule a 15-minute non-negotiable block each day. Read a book. Learn a skill. Journal. Do something for future-you — not just the company.

🔄 2. Balance Between Repetition and Variety

Right when I thought it couldn’t get busier, I had to cover for a colleague — on top of my own mountain of work. I braced for burnout.

But something unexpected happened.

His tasks were different.

They gave me a mental break from my usual workload. It wasn’t easier, but it was different — and that made all the difference.

The insight: Sometimes switching tasks is more energizing than taking a break.

Action: When you’re deep in one thing for too long, intentionally pivot for a while — even to something else at work. Mental variety can recharge your focus.

💬 3. Balance Between Self-Assurance and External Recognition

“Just believe in yourself.”
Easier said than done.

Especially when you're pulling late nights and early mornings, giving 120%, and your boss says… nothing. No thanks. No feedback. Just silence.

I kept telling myself, you did well, you worked hard, but without recognition, it felt like shouting into a void.

The real talk: We all need some validation — and that’s okay.

But we can’t let the absence of praise define our value.

Action: Focus on purpose, not praise. Reconnect to you “why”. What impact does it create for the business, team or clients? How does it align with your values or long-term goals? When you measure success by impact instead of applause, you gain quiet confidence that does not need a spotlight.

🧠 Final Thought

Balance isn’t a static state — it’s a constant correction. Like riding a bike, you’re always adjusting.

You won’t always get it right. Neither do I.

But noticing when you're off-balance is the first step. Choosing to course-correct — even in small ways — is what keeps you from crashing.

🛠 Try This Week: The “Balance Reset” Checklist

• Book 15 minutes each day for yourself

• Switch tasks or take a “mental break” with variety

• Write down one win you’re proud of each day

• Remind yourself: You’re not a machine. You’re a person.

Let’s not glorify being “busy.” Let’s normalize being balanced — even if it’s a bit wobbly.