the blending of work and life 

What exactly is work life balance? The common understanding of this usually boils down to, "How much time are you spending at work, and are those hours short enough to you to have a home/social life too?"

The whole concept of balance applies to all aspects of our lives – are we getting the right balance of foods, for example, or the right balance of rest or relaxation, or work, play, friends, family and so on. But although “balance” is active, (try standing on one foot and keeping your balance, and you’ll very quickly notice how active it is!) it doesn’t really hack it. “Balance” seems to imply trying to stay in the one place – in balance.

But life is not like that. Sometimes, we are busier at work than at other times – there are deadlines to meet – and then sometimes, work is less busy. It’s the same in our personal lives. Sometimes there are hardly any social events, and then there are too many to choose from.

Life is more about blend. Are you getting the right blend of challenging work that keeps you on your toes, as well as some relatively “mindless” work that allows you to get on with it without having to think too much? Are you getting sufficient stimulating conversation as well as quiet time? Are you having fun as well as working hard?

It’s not so much about the number of hours you spend at work or outside of it, but the quality of your hours - whether you are home or at work.

Your work is part of your life, and your life is made up of your work, and everything else besides. We are not a singularly focused species, but multi-faceted beings who thrive on learning and growth.

When people say they wish they could win the lottery so that they could quit work, what they are effectively saying is that they don’t have the right blend of what’s right for them in their life right now. Bill Gates and Richard Branson can well afford to quit work but don’t… Because they have found the right blend for them.

When you do, the boundaries between work and play begin to merge, as work becomes part of your play.

So, perhaps instead of trying to find a balance, look for the blend that works for you. You evolve as do your work and life circumstances. Whatever the blend is today could well be different tomorrow.

Only you can determine what’s right for you, and only you can take whatever action is appropriate for you. And this does mean learning to listen to your own inner voice.

If you happen to be a manager or leader of people, how can you help your team members find the right balance for them and have that align with what is needed in the workplace? If you can do that, you will have an easier life as a leader and a significantly more engaged team.

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