Yes, work-life balance IS hard. I would actually go so far as to argue it is unachievable.
But is it even desirable? If we were truly seeking “balance,” wouldn’t it make us neurotic?
Chasing the perfect balance can be overwhelming and stressful. Make sure to sleep the perfect number of hours, followed by just the right number of minutes eating our meal, followed by only the allotted number of work hours, and so on. That’s not the way I want to live.
That’s why I choose to focus on my work-life rhythm.
Let me explain…
What is Work-Life Rhythm?
We all have many roles and relationships that we move in and out of on a regular basis. For me, a typical Monday goes something like this: I go from parent, to entrepreneur, to coffee consumer, to business owner, to doctor, to team leader, to doctor, to team leader, to doctor to team leader…all before 11am! Following morning clinic I have client calls, a SurgeonMasters Team Meeting, patient rounds, and hopefully some quality time with my kids in the evening.
Our schedules pose a major threat to this concept of “balance,” and if I sought it at the end of the day, I would feel like a failure! Instead, I choose to seek rhythm in my day, moving from role to role, and relationship to relationship as seamlessly as possible – mindful of the moment and the person or task in front of me.
Focus on Your Rhythm. Be Mindful.
Work-life rhythm is all about being mindful of the moment in front of you. Even if we can’t offer as much time as we like to all the people and interests in our lives, we can offer them our greatest level of care and attention in the moment.
Yes, work-life balance is hard. That’s why I’m mindful of my rhythm.
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