Over the years, many experts have declared that balance is unattainable. I disagree. Balance is possible; it just may not look the way you’ve been told it should.
True balance begins within. It’s not a checklist – it’s a state of mind, a way of being. It’s not about perfectly equal time distribution. It’s about the clarity, intentionality, and energy you engage with what’s in front of you.
Balance Is Personal
One person’s balance may look like quiet time to recharge; another may involve a high-energy activity, collaboration or creative problem-solving. What matters is, not someone else’s definition of balance, but your own. If it fuels your focus, energy, and presence, then it is balance. Don’t let others define it for you.
Two Perspectives on Balance
Understanding what balance means to you is essential.
- Equal Distribution – This interpretation defines balance as giving equal attention to all areas of life. While noble in theory, it’s rarely realistic and often leads to a perpetual sense of falling short.
- Intentional Value Exchange – This more dynamic lens views balance as evaluating priorities and consciously choosing how and where to invest your time, energy, and attention based on what matters most right now. It’s fluid.
Leaders often fall into the trap of doing more faster, only to find themselves physically present but mentally elsewhere. The cost? Missed connections, diminished presence, and damage to both your brand and your wellbeing.
Shift from Reaction to Intention
When balance feels off, ask yourself:
- What’s truly missing? Fun, rest, creativity, support?
- What are you really craving? Stillness, stimulation, thinking time?
- Where is your focus? On the unknown, the overwhelm, the urgency?
If you’re feeling out of sync, you may be reacting to your environment instead of consciously shaping it. Shift that dynamic. Balance doesn’t mean doing everything; it means choosing what matters.
Consider this: Could you ask for help, delegate more, or create time in your schedule to reset? There is always a solution when you give yourself the space to find it.
Five Practices Leaders Use to Cultivate Balance
Here are five strategies high-performing leaders implement to protect and sustain their version of balance:
1. Prioritize Yourself Without Apology
You are your most valuable asset. Replenishing your energy isn’t indulgent; it’s a strategic necessity. Whether it’s movement, mindfulness, or simply a moment of stillness. Create rituals that recharge you.
When your phone needs charging, you plug it in. When your tank is empty, you fill it without negotiation.
2. Put It In Your Calendar—Including the Breaks
If it matters, schedule it. Reading time, strategic thinking, workouts, rest, family time—block it. Be specific. Don’t say “I’ll work out three times this week.” Say “Tuesday, 6:30 a.m. – run.”
Consistency breeds progress. Treat personal commitments with the same respect as professional ones, because they fuel your performance in both arenas.
3. Do What Energizes You
High-impact leaders know their strengths and use them often. What lights you up? When are you in flow? Reflect on the days when you felt unstoppable and reverse-engineer what created that energy.
One client rediscovered his passion for consulting after a leadership experience in managing a team. Though the transition wasn’t seamless, it reignited his engagement and rebalanced his life.
4. Seek Positive Conversations
The right conversations uplift, inspire, and expand perspective. Positive, engaging dialogue fuels oxytocin – the trust hormone – and counteracts the effects of stress. Infuse your day with energizing, affirming exchanges. They’re a small hinge that swings big doors.
5. Establish Boundaries. Ask for What You Need
Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re bridges to clarity, respect, and resilience. Know what works for you, communicate it clearly, and don’t hesitate to say “not now” when needed.
Especially if you’re a pleaser, it’s time to redirect that energy. Stop overextending for those you’ll never satisfy. Start protecting the space that allows you to thrive.
Your Next Step
If balance feels elusive, pause. Revisit the reflective questions above and identify one small change that could make a meaningful difference today. Start there. Apply the five practices. Repeat until they become second nature.
Which of these practices resonates most with you? What has worked for you in maintaining your balance?
Remember: Balance is not about perfection, it’s about alignment. Your internal state shapes your external experience. That, in turn, shapes your leadership legacy.
Ready to Elevate Your Leadership?
At Authentic Leaders Edge, we help professionals like you develop a powerful leadership presence. Whether you’re leading a team or defining your personal brand, Dorothy Lazovik provides tailored coaching to accelerate your growth.
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore how coaching can help you step into your full potential. Email today to get started!
