Here's why the traditional "work life and personal life balance" is holding you back from living your best life…

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Hi, everyone! I hope you’re having a great day. Let’s talk about a hot topic in today’s “Mindfulness by Miles” article. Each Friday, I write health- and mindfulness-related articles as well as book reviews with a goal to help you boost your overall well-being. Today, allow me to discuss a powerful concept from a particular self-help book. Continue reading to know what it means to truly achieve satisfaction and “balance” in both your work life and personal life. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Here's why the traditional "work life and personal life balance" is holding you back from living your best life… In today’s modern, hyper-connected world, the elusive concept of work life and personal life balance often feels like a distant dream. BUT! What if we tell you that the pursuit of the “perfect” equilibrium between your personal and professional life might be an unattainable myth? Motivational speaker, author, and business consultant Matthew Kelly has news for you in his book, “Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction.” Here, Kelly challenges this conventional wisdom and offers a refreshing perspective on achieving genuine contentment in life. Attaining Satisfaction in the “Off-Balance” “Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction” is a book published in 2011. It explores the traditional concept of work life and personal life balance, and challenges the notions that many people are striving to achieve. The main premise of the book is that the traditional idea of work life and personal life balance, where individuals try to equally divide their time and energy between their personal lives and their careers, is a flawed and unrealistic goal. Kelly argues that this pursuit often leads to frustration and dissatisfaction because it sets up an unattainable standard. Instead, he suggests a different approach to achieving personal and professional satisfaction. Kelly encourages readers to focus on what he calls “dynamic equilibrium.” This involves recognizing that life is constantly changing, and one’s priorities and commitments may shift over time. Instead of striving for a “perfect” balance, individuals should strive to make intentional choices that align with their values and goals at any given moment. This may involve periods of intense focus on one’s career, followed by periods of prioritizing personal life or other pursuits. I personally like how the book provides practical advice and strategies for individuals to assess their values, set meaningful goals, and make intentional choices that lead to a sense of fulfillment in their lives. Kelly’s principle emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and aligning a person’s actions with his or her values and purpose. Let’s do a quick run through of the contents of the book… The Myth of the Work Life and Personal Life Balance I’m pretty certain that at one point in your life, you’ve strived for that “magical equilibrium” where your work commitments and personal life harmonize effortlessly. By this, we mean the idea that you can give equal attention to your career and personal passions while still maintaining your sanity. However, as some of you may have felt—I felt that too once in my life—this balance often feels like chasing a mirage in the desert. Kelly argues this conventional idea is inherently flawed. This leads to the next point he discussed in his book… Embracing “Dynamic Equilibrium” Instead of endlessly pursuing an unattainable ideal, Kelly suggests a radical shift in your thinking: Dynamic equilibrium. This concept acknowledges that life is ever-changing, and your priorities will naturally shift over time. So, rather than juggling everything at once, you should focus on making intentional choices that align with your values and objectives. The Power of Values Kelly’s book underscores the importance of self-awareness and understanding your core values. By recognizing what truly matters to you, you can set meaningful goals and make decisions that lead to personal and professional fulfillment. At this part of the book, Kelly presents exercises and practical strategies to help you identify your values and translate them into actionable steps. The Art of Making Intentional Choices In the pursuit of “dynamic equilibrium,” Kelly encourages you to be mindful of your choices. Instead of spreading yourself thin, you should make conscious decisions that align with your current priorities. This might mean diving headfirst into a work project during a busy period or taking a moment to unwind and focus on personal growth when the time is right. Finding Fulfillment Instead of Balance According to Kelly, the ultimate goal is not perfect balance but a sense of fulfillment. Here, he challenges the notion that success can only be achieved through a relentless struggle for balance. By embracing “dynamic equilibrium” and aligning your actions with your values and purpose, you can find satisfaction in both your work life and personal life. — In a world that often glorifies the pursuit of achieving the perfect balance between your career and personal life, Kelly offers a refreshing perspective by inviting you to break free from the shackles of an unattainable ideal. So, are you ready to let go of the balance myth and start living a more fulfilling life? If so, Kelly’s book might just be a great first read for you. Through self-awareness, intentional choices, and a focus on your core values, you can pave a path towards genuine personal and professional satisfaction. I wish you all a happy weekend, everyone! Take the time to rest and enjoy non-work-related activities with your loved ones.