The term “work-life balance” seems to have developed a bit of a bad reputation lately. Many are replacing it with buzzwords like “integration” or “synergy,” because the concept of balance can feel unattainable. But I believe balance offers a freedom that is often overlooked.

For me, balance doesn’t mean always giving equal attention to your business and personal life. That’s not just difficult, it’s impossible. It’s unrealistic to think you can always give equally to every aspect of your life. But balance doesn’t have to mean equal. Let’s look at what balance really means.

The Many Definitions of Balance

Balance has several meanings, and when you look at these definitions, it becomes clear how the concept of balance applies to our lives in a much more nuanced way:

• The Ability to Stay Upright: Balance is the ability to distribute weight in such a way that you can stand or move without falling. It’s not just physical – it involves coordination between the eyes, muscles, inner ear, central nervous system, bones, and joints.
• A State of Equilibrium: This refers to a situation where all forces acting on an object cancel each other out, creating a state of equilibrium.
• A Tool for Measuring Weight: In a literal sense, a balance is an instrument that measures the weight of an object by comparing it to a known weight.
• Mental Steadiness: Balance can also refer to mental steadiness or emotional stability, where your mind is calm, clear, and focused.
• In Art: In art, balance is the way different elements work together so that no one part is too overwhelming.
• In Accounting: Balance in accounting refers to equality between the totals on both sides of an account, ensuring things add up.
• In Winemaking: Balance in winemaking is the degree to which all the attributes of a wine -its sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol – are in harmony.

Balance Isn’t About Equality; It’s About Harmony

The definition that resonates with me most is “the ability to distribute weight so you stay upright.” It’s the perfect metaphor for how I view work-life balance. Life is never about giving equal time or effort to every area. You can’t, and you shouldn’t have to. Instead, balance is about how all forces – the different parts of your life – act together to keep you steady.

This idea of balance is the philosophy behind what I conceptually refer to as a sum of one. No matter how the pieces of your life shift, they all work together to equal 1 – no more and no less.

Whether it’s work, family, personal growth, or leisure, they are constantly in flux, adjusting and changing based on the season of life you’re in. One week, your business may require more attention, and next, your family may need you more. But it’s never about being equal; it’s about keeping all those pieces in harmony, shifting in a way that keeps you steady.

Balance in Life: An Ever-Changing Equation

Different seasons of life require different things from you. The balance is always shifting, but it’s not about giving equal time to each part. It’s about keeping all those parts in harmony, allowing you to stay grounded. Life will always throw challenges your way, but if you’re mindful of how all the pieces fit together, you can maintain a sense of balance.

It’s all about mental steadiness, emotional clarity, and understanding that while balance may never be equal, it’s always achievable. The key is allowing the pieces to shift while keeping the overall sum of your life in harmony, keeping you upright and steady. Balance is not a bad word – it’s a life philosophy.

If you find yourself out of balance and unable to achieve harmony in your sum of 1, we can help!  Contact us to schedule a discovery call or visit our website at www.remotecoo.com for more information.