Juggling work and life isn't a bad thing!

Do you believe you can have a fulfilling career, be committed to it and have a full life?
I think many of us ask that question. We strive for it. We ache for it. Yet, there is a tiny little part of us...or a great big part that doesn't believe it's possible.

Every time something happens, and we get swamped, have to travel, we get sick or our kids get sick, or....you fill in the blank...and we lose our sense of balance, we are once again wondering: Will I ever truly find work-life balance?

Here's the thing, maybe work-life balance is possible, maybe it isn't,
but you will never know if you don't try to find it! Are you ready to try? 
Keep reading to learn how!

The "facts"
We do want "it all!"

• There are tons of demands on you at work.
• If you are honest, you are also eager to do the work. No, not all of it, but there are parts of your job you love. Please don't feel ashamed that you are strongly committed to your job!
• You also want to be there for your family, take care of yourself and have strong personal relationships.

The stigma
Honestly, it often feels like you are "damned if you do and damned if you don't" If you give too much at work, you are judged as not being there for your family. The reverse is true too. Take too much time off, waver about travel or talk too much about your kids and your commitment to the job can be in question.

The desire
It's true. Countless studies and online forums have women attest to this. In a recent study from the Ontario Nonprofit Network, women identified flexibility as one thing they were looking for because they were struggling with work-life balance. We desire the freedom to have some flexibility so we can juggle everything a bit easier.

The truth
The demands in social media and the recommendations in reports are clear; organizations need to provide the right culture, offer flexibility, ensure wage equity and offer fair opportunities for advancement. While these are all critical factors, it's only half of the equation.

The other half is you. The truth is you also need to step up confidently.

• It doesn't matter if your organization offers you flexibility if you still feel guilty about saying no to travel and going anyhow.
• It doesn't make a difference if the job offer is there and you hold yourself back from applying on it.
• It doesn't matter if you continue to take on more than you can do, because you struggle to set boundaries, feel uncomfortable holding others accountable for their part or resist asking for help.

It takes two to tangle
You are fully in the challenge. Rather than being the victim of the circumstances, I encourage you to step forward with hope, optimism and a belief that you can find a way to find more balance.


The way - - > Change your mindset
Finding a new way starts with the right mindset.

Ditch the fixed mindset. That is the one that believes:

• Nothing will ever change!
• I can't "change the world"
• It's just the way it is.

Instead, embrace a growth mindset. That is one that believes:

• Bit by bit, things will start to change.
• I impact the way my life is, and I choose to do that.
• I can change my world, and that will ripple out to the bigger world.

If you need some help finding the mindset that will help you find success, tune in to this training on finding your Success Mindset!


The new truth
We can change "the world" together. It's not easy. It will take time. But keep this in mind: Someone has to start. We are being offered a hand...it might seem tentative, but it's there. The sector is demanding equity, fairness and flexibility. It's time we do our part to make it happen.

Believe with your whole heart, that work-life balance IS possible! 
​
p.s. This whole journey starts with believing you can do it. That's confidence, my dear! Make sure to grab your copy of Mastering Confidence and re-read it if need be! Do the free course that goes with the book and then take in extra training here. Master confidence and you'll be well on your way to finding more balance!