Blog
Is the idea of
Work / Life balance harmful?
This relentless chase after the ideal of work/life balance, a narrative heavily pushed by some organisations and amplified by social media, casts a shadow of perpetual insufficiency. Such a narrative can induce guilt, making individuals feel torn between their professional commitments and personal lives. This framework almost suggests that work stands outside the realm of ‘life,’ as if it’s an opposing force.
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The relentless chase for balance
When starting a coaching session with senior executives and posing the question of what they hope to achieve from the coaching, the answer often unfolds as a series of work-related ambitions. Eventually, it’s followed by, “oh, and achieve work/life balance.”
Digging deeper, it becomes apparent that the desire isn’t actually to achieve a 50/50 split of work and life. It’s really about wanting to feel less guilty when at work, being more present at home or in social settings, and feeling more motivated to exercise.
The Japanese concept of
“Ikigai”
A recent coaching session highlighted this tension sharply. The client grappled with sleepless nights, paralysing anxiety, and even bouts of panic attacks. Their voiced ambition centred on achieving work/life balance, yet their internal monologue was rife with self-critique: “I should be a great parent but I’m never present, I should be progressing in my career but I’m not contributing in a meaningful way, I should be fitter but I’m too tired and have no time to exercise.”
The chasm between their professed ambition and this internal dialogue caused their confidence to nosedive, amplifying their feelings of inadequacy.
The coaching conversation progressed as follows:
“What would you love to feel in a year from now?”
“I’d love to feel like I am full of energy by progressing myself and others.”
“What would you need to do in order to do that?”
“I’d be present as a parent, I’d be contributing in a meaningful way at work and I’d be allocating time to exercise.”
In that moment, the penny dropped. The dawn of understanding was palpable. A renewed sense of agency emerged, replacing the earlier feelings of victimhood. They understood that by dedicating time and energy to their true priorities, they could shape their reality — and the transformation could begin immediately.
This epiphany isn’t novel. Delving into cultural wisdom, the Japanese concept of “Ikigai”, with roots dating back to 794, transcends the notion of merely enjoying one’s job. It explores the connection between an individual’s passions, skills, societal needs, and potential earnings. As Ikigai demonstrates, when these domains intersect, genuine fulfilment blossoms.
So what are the steps?
Step One
Create a purpose statement encapsulating both passion and ambition. For instance: “I get energy by inspiring others to embrace fresh challenges.” or “I love supporting individuals to achieve the seemingly unattainable.”
Step Two
How do you wish to distribute your energy across all areas of your life? What percentage would you want to allocate to each? E.g., Work – 55%, Family – 30%, Friends – 5%, Fitness – 5%, Recharge – 5%.
Step Three
Combine the first two steps. How can your purpose statement be infused into each segment of your life?
Contrast your current life with your envisioned one. Over the next 30 days, what decisions will you take to bridge the gap?
Step Four
Bring it to life. Use your purpose and energy focus areas to plan each week’s energy and choices.
Step One
Create a purpose statement encapsulating both passion and ambition. For instance: “I get energy by inspiring others to embrace fresh challenges.” or “I love supporting individuals to achieve the seemingly unattainable.”
Step Two
How do you wish to distribute your energy across all areas of your life? What percentage would you want to allocate to each? E.g., Work – 55%, Family – 30%, Friends – 5%, Fitness – 5%, Recharge – 5%.
Step Three
Combine the first two steps. How can your purpose statement be infused into each segment of your life?
Contrast your current life with your envisioned one. Over the next 30 days, what decisions will you take to bridge the gap?
Step Four
Bring it to life. Use your purpose and energy focus areas to plan each week’s energy and choices.
So is it Worth it?
The inhabitants of Okinawa think so. Having embedded the essence of the Ikiagi philosophy for centuries, not only do they show little inclination towards retirement, their life expectancy stands among the highest globally. This challenges the predominant view that perceives work merely as a means to an end and in fact tells us that work can enhance and prolong life.
By ditching the restrictive aspiration of work/life balance, we should instead strive for a life where purpose permeates every aspect of our life, including work. Rather than viewing work as a barrier to life, let it be an avenue through which you realise your purpose, passion, and potential. When our professional endeavours resonate with our core purpose, they transform from mere tasks into inspired choices.
Are you ready to take control?
At Track Record we provide the skills to develop good habits, choose your mindset and take control of your choices.
Find out more about our Confident Leader Programme.
