I’ve begun reading a book called “Mom Incorporated” and I’m not very far into it yet but I love the way it has already changed my perspective on the whole work/life balance concept.
I’ve struggled for years to find that perfect balance and have just frustrated myself and felt like I always fall short and my family or my work suffers. I want to be the one to say yes to everyone and to be able to do it all for everyone. Yes, I have a hard time saying no and I know that isn’t a good thing.
But just through the first couple of chapters, I’ve come to find a new perspective, new outlook, and an understanding of why I have yet to find that perfect work/life balance. Here’s what I’ve learned – It’s not possible and that it’s OK.
There will be days or times when my family requires more time such as when my kids get sick or they have special events going on at school that I just don’t want to miss. There will be times when work will require more of my attention. Now, I’m not saying I should spend most of my time working and neglect my family nor am I saying I should give my family all of my time and neglect my work since I am a work at home mom and I have obligations. But can I give my family quality time without stopping to check my email or tweet during family movie night or while trying to help my kids with their homework? Yes, I can. I can make my family time just that, family time and no work and when I am in work mode I can make work my work time.
No, I can’t please everyone all the time but I can find that all elusive balance by changing my mindset about what exactly that term “work/life balance” means to me. I don’t have to live by someone else’s definition of what work/life balance is. I need to find my own “balance”.
Are you still struggling to find your work/life balance? Figure out what you definition is and then stand back and really take a look at how you are balancing life and work right now and what you would like to change.
© 2011, Nanette Gomez. All rights reserved.
I love that our book is giving you a little bit of peace~! Aliza and I have realized that there really is not such thing as ‘balance’. It is all a juggle…. some days you are a stellar mom, some days, you are stellar at your work. It is impossible to be amazing at both at the same time. And that is perfectly ok! Cannot wait to hear what you think about the rest of the book!
Danielle, I am honored you came by my site. I am anxious to continue reading. I’m sure there is so much more but even just this one lesson has made it easier for me to acknowledge I’m not super woman but I can be a great mom and a great worker but it’s ok if it’s not at the same time.