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.