The 3 Pillars to Work-Life Balance - It's About Showing Up As a Leader

jeremy-bishop-E55BPtMqh2I-unsplash

You’re a mom who had a structure and system in place to make it all work, your career, partner and kids, school and extracurricular activities. Suddenly, this system was pulled out from under your feet like a rug, and you felt like you were drowning in the responsibilities of having to do it all by yourself.

You relished the quality moments you had with your kids and feel you want more of it. The idea of sending your kids back to school full-time and to after-school activities so you can work suddenly doesn’t seem as appealing anymore. (or really never seemed appealing, but you thought it was the only way you could do it). 

With all the uncertainty, you might be feeling the tug to homeschool (part-time or full-time) coming fall, but are not sure how to make it all work? Having had your children at home during lockdown, you got a glimpse into a different way of living your life and are wondering “is this possible”? 

Well, I’m here to tell you it is possible to find YOUR balance. Is it easy to reach that balance? Not always, but it’s well worth it.


Pillar #1 - You

"Your life you will start to feel ok with what the days throw at you (and they will), because you will have identified YOUR balance point."


When you hear balance you might see a scale with two cups in perfect equilibrium. Work on one side, life on the other. I see it intermingled and fluid. I see a surfer riding a wave.



Finding YOUR Balance

Depending on the water flow underneath the board the surfer has to adjust her weight distribution all the time to keep riding that wave until the end. Bringing this analogy to your life you will start to feel ok with what the days throw at you (and they will), because you will have identified YOUR balance point. Some moments will be filled mostly with work while keeping your children afloat, while at other times during the day you will be able to focus on your family.  

Are the voices in your head saying “I’m a failure if I can’t do it all.” “I have to cope with all or I’m a bad mother.” I am going to challenge these beliefs of yours. I will show you how you’ll become an even better mom once you learn to speak up and stand up for yourself.


The family as a team


Pillar #2 Your Family

I want you to start seeing your family as a team. Each member has an important role to play and the responsibilities that come with that role. I am here to guide you; to show you how stepping into your leadership potential can turn this possibility into your new reality. 


" They [our kids] hear the message of what it means to be successful, but they live the reality of you having to choose between doing what you love and taking care of your family."


What examples do you want to set for your kids? So you value their effort to study hard and reach their goals, but they don't see you reach your goals? They hear the message of what it means to be successful, but they live the reality of you having to choose between doing what you love and taking care of your family.


Pillar #3 Your Company

This is why we haven't seen any change in the corporate landscape. We and our partners have not been asking for enough.

Has your employer offered any support for employees who have families during the shelter-in-place period? Have you been offered more flexible hours? Maybe no meetings in the afternoon? This is a good start.


"Companies who value their employees and want to stay relevant, will be engaging in more conversations around work-life balance because we are in unprecedented times and there is opportunity in change."


I believe that companies who value their employees and want to stay relevant, will be engaging in more conversations around work-life balance because we are in unprecedented times, and there is opportunity in change. It’s raw, new lines and rules have to be drawn. This is the prime moment to start asking for what you need. (I know, I sound like a broken record, but I truly believe that THIS is the moment we can shape a new work&family culture).

And I want you to ask it from your partner, your employer and most importantly from YOURSELF.

Ready to get more balance into your life? Download my 5 steps to get your time back guide here!


Are you an employer and ready to open up the conversation with your team? Do you measure the impact your company culture has? Get my FREE and super-quick assessment tool called Emotional Climate Index (ECI).


0 comments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one to leave a comment!

Leave a comment