It’s time to ditch the idea of ‘work-life balance’ once and for all.
Here’s the thing: work is not separate from life. It’s not something that exists in a vacuum, separate from the rest of our existence. Work is simply one container in which we spend our time and energy, in exchange for the things we need, want, or want to accomplish.
So, let’s start thinking about work as a part of our lives, rather than something that competes with it. Work doesn’t exist in a neat little bubble over there while the rest of our lives exist over here. No ‘blend’ necessary – work fits within life.
It’s important to remember that the point of work isn’t just to make money so that we can afford our survival and then show up to work again tomorrow. The point is to make a living, to have an impact, to create a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.
Every moment that we spend working (or not working) is a moment of our lives that is ticking by. It’s up to us to choose who we are and how we show up in each and every one of those moments.
Whether we have the privilege of choosing work that we love or not, we still get to choose how we show up. We get to choose whether we show up with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make an impact. We get to choose whether we show up with a growth mindset or a fixed one.
So, as life coaches, let’s encourage our clients to choose well. Let’s help them understand that each moment that they spend working (or not working) is a moment that combines to create their lives. Let’s help them create a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and in alignment with their values and goals.
Let’s remind them that work is not something that exists in a vacuum, separate from the rest of their lives. Work is simply one container in which they spend their time and energy, in exchange for the things they need, want, or want to accomplish.
And let’s help them understand that they get to choose who they are and how they show up in each and every moment. Because those moments, whether they occur during working hours or not, combine to create their lives.