Thoughts
Founder’s notes: Is there such thing as work life balance?
Berkeley Health
October 3, 2024
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Work-life balance: an ideal we’re all chasing, but does it really exist? As someone who’s grown three businesses, including nearly a decade in health and wellness, I’ve spent countless hours reflecting on this elusive concept—and, if I’m honest, I’ve often wondered if it’s even possible.
In an industry as demanding as health and wellness, where trust, precision, and connection are everything, the lines between work and life blur easily. The business becomes personal, and the personal often feels like an extension of the business. Yet, amid the long hours, tight deadlines, and constant pursuit of excellence, there are lessons to be learned—and hard truths to face—about what balance really means.
Redefining Balance
Balance, I’ve learned, isn’t about splitting time equally between work and life. It’s about learning to shift your focus without guilt. Some weeks are for the business—long days crafting campaigns, managing teams, and pushing growth. Other weeks are for life—time with family, reconnecting with friends, and moments that remind me why I’m doing all of this in the first place.
But balance is never static. It’s not a formula you solve and move on from; it’s a constant recalibration. And that’s okay.
Lessons from Building Businesses
Set Boundaries, But Stay Flexible
Running multiple businesses has taught me the value of boundaries, even if they’re imperfect. Protecting small rituals—like switching off emails after a certain time or keeping one morning a week for personal reflection—can make all the difference. But flexibility is key. Some days, the business will need more of you, and that’s just the reality.Surround Yourself with the Right People
Whether in business or in life, who you surround yourself with matters. Building teams you trust allows you to step back when needed. Likewise, leaning on your personal circle—friends, family, mentors—keeps you grounded when work inevitably feels overwhelming.Prioritise Meaningful Work
In health and wellness, the work itself is often a source of purpose. When you believe in what you’re building, it doesn’t always feel like “work.” This doesn’t mean there aren’t tough days, but it does mean those long hours carry a sense of fulfilment that balances the effort.
A Work in Progress
I won’t pretend I’ve cracked the code. There are weeks when I feel the weight of every decision, when balance feels like a distant idea. But what I’ve come to realise is this: balance isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about finding harmony.
For me, that harmony comes from knowing I’m building something meaningful—not just for myself, but for the people and brands we work with. It comes from the moments when I step away from the desk and see that the world hasn’t fallen apart.
Finding Your Own Balance
Whether you’re leading a business, working in health and wellness, or navigating your own career, balance will look different for everyone. The trick isn’t to emulate someone else’s version of it, but to define it for yourself—and to accept that it will change as you grow.
So, is there such thing as work-life balance? Maybe not in the way we imagine it. But there is a way to build a life that feels full, purposeful, and uniquely yours. And in the end, isn’t that what we’re all working towards?
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