The Work/
Life Balance
Myth
Debb Meyer
What is work-life balance?
And why, with so much literature available on
achieving this balance, does it still elude most
of us?
in particular find more challenging - they often
put themselves last. Equipped with a full tank,
you can always give more.
This is why in a partnership of life and
business, it is critical to have agreed ways to
keep your tanks full.
I believe balance is an elusive target we are all
trying to ascertain but most often fail which can
create more anxiety and stress. So how do we
What works for Chris and I?
find contentment?
• Making time for fitness, hobbies and
For me, the answer is simple.
passions such as travelling, golf, skiing and
meditation
Building a global brand with my husband Chris, • Being allowed time and space to achieve
the lines between work and life are blurred; our
personal goals and aspirations
family is our life and our passion. Intrinsically
• No business talk past 8pm and no laptops
linked, our business is also our life and our
or emails in the bedroom
passion. This renders the concept of achieving
• Having ‘Me’ days; a day to do whatever we
balance obsolete.
want, guilt free!
• ‘Recharge’ long weekends, dedicated to
Work-life balance is about successfully
family time
integrating the parts of your life, rather than
• Regular date nights and kid free weekends
balancing them. I keep my eye on the ultimate
• Family day Sunday and
goal; a loving marriage, a happy and content
• If you can, outsource things like cleaning,
family and a successful business. How do I
ironing and find a fabulous nanny
balance this? I don’t. Chris and I work long
and hard for big bursts of time, and then take
We also set clear methods for how we do
regular short breaks and carving out special
things at home and in the business.
time for both us, and our growing family.
Three of the most powerful methods that
To achieve success in all the roles you play in
work for us are:
life; you need to make sure your ‘tank’ is full.
This means spiritually, physically, emotionally
and mentally. This is something working mums