There is no such thing as work life balance.

Headlines about work life balance scream what every woman wants. Surveys affirm work life balance is among the top 3 challenges for professional women. Work life balance is as individual as each woman. What works for one won’t work for another.

Work life balance is a myth. There is only life balance. What a concept! Think about it.

In the total world of your life there are many parts besides work. A tool I give coaching clients is a circle divided into 8 parts representing family, career, fun, finances, etc. Work is only one of the segments.

How do you know when life is out of whack? Some signs are missing doing things you used to do, working too much of your life and being tired all the time. If you’re getting sick, you could be burned out. You can be crispy around the edges or cooked thoroughly. Your body will make you stop because it will stop.

Several years ago I was spending the month of March in China. I didn’t want to come home to unfinished home renovations or tax preparation. So I spent January and February finishing renovations, doing taxes and working, of course. Because I knew they were short term goals I was committed to executing them. If an invitation came up, I accepted it if it didn’t interfere with the final outcome.

Sound unbalanced? For those two months it was perfect balance for me. My goal was short term and doable with focus. And a month in China was a fabulous reward. Coming home with those projects behind me was exhilarating.

Balance is like standing on one foot. It’s changing and adjusting regularly to what works. You really do know when your life isn’t working. What do you do then?

• Pay attention to what your body and family are telling you.
• Hire a coach.
• Get a friend to help you make tiny changes.
• Plan some fun rewards – like a foot massage, time out to read, etc.
• Take one small step toward what’s missing.
• Reward yourself everyday by doing something nice for you.

Changing habits is hard especially when you just gradually slid into them. Remember balance is what you decide it is. Have fun and enjoy your rewards.

Ten Ways to Shift from Summer to Fall

Summer is my fave season. There’s a freedom in the air ~ altho’ hot ~ that says travel, a lighter flavor to foods, swimming, reading on the beach. My early Sept. birthday signals for me more than a year of good living. It means time to shift rhythms, start school, put flip flops away, and get ready for cool temperatures, nature’s tree color show and Monday night football. To help you ease into this transition here are 10 ideas.

• Wear a long sleeve blouse with shorts.

• Turn the AC off and open the windows and doors.

• Change out the tired summer annuals in your garden with bright fall mums.

• Open the sun roof in your car and put the windows down.

• Have grilled cheese sandwich and soup for lunch.

• Plan a 4 day get away to see foliage in October.

• Use orange and yellow paper for memos and copies at the office.

• Put together a new outfit from all the clothes you put away last spring.

• Put a bouquet of fresh fall flowers on your desk at work.

• Entertain outside in the cool evening air.

• Get back to the gym.

• Make plans with a new friend to do something you haven’t done before.

• Take a class on something you need to know for your career.

BONUS: Make your reservation for the Smart Woman’s Club Birthday Bash on Sept. 29 here.

COACHES DARE: Have fun challenging a friend to pick one and do it before you do. Let me know how you do.