Work-Life balance only seems to work when you zoom out. Any one day is unlikely to effectively balance all your priorities. But in a given week, month, or year, it’s easier to think that many different priorities and focuses can all improve in balance.
My team lead at Automattic, Simon, has described this to me as a ‘steady up-and-right.’ When we’re looking at my work, any one day doesn’t particularly matter. Some days, one issue takes many hours to resolve. Some days, you may crank out more work than five other people combined. Some days, you may have a doctor appointment that messes up your flow. Some days, you may you need to run a marathon. Those single days don’t matter so long as when you zoom out you see the overall growth.
It’s possible to watch that growth balance out in your work, your life, your health, or anything else you consider a priority.
Behavior over time means far more than achievement one day. Don’t seek balance today or tomorrow, look for balance this week, this month, or this year.
Alex Gustafson 