Why Juggling Life and Work Is a Joke

Many soloists often bemoan the fact that their life is out of balance. They report that they have no free time, never take vacations, and are constantly trying to juggle life and work. My response: It's time to reframe this issue. Consider:

1. What is balance, anyway?
Is there some magic scale in your head? If so, is it of your design or have you inherited it from someone else? First, get clear on what balance means for you. Jettison other's expectations.

2. Not mutually exclusive.
In his new book (see also WSM #45), productivity guru David Allen writes that "there is an inherent fallacy in affirming that 'life' and 'work' are mutually exclusive." I agree. When you're doing what you love -- whether in the life or work sphere -- categories don't matter.

3. Find the zone.
When we're "on," everything else slips away. Who cares about balance? List 7-10 things that put you in that focus zone. How can you get there more often?

4. More than the bank balance.
If you think being out of balance means you're spending too much time making too little money, then it's time to take a close look at your business practices. Perhaps you need to revamp your pricing or offerings. Time to upgrade your skills? Or re-energize your marketing?

When you're working solo, the lines between work and life become fluid. Stop trying to juggle based on someone else's paradigm. Create your own work/life ratio, on your terms.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com

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