Why the popular advice about work-life balance might be holding back your business. A contrarian take on what it really takes to build something successful.
Really appreciate this take and especially the reminder that health has to come first, because without it, everything else eventually crumbles. I’ve found balance isn’t about splitting time evenly, it’s about managing energy. Some days that means being fully immersed in the business for 12+ hours, other days it means shifting attention to family, connection, or simply rest.
Yes, there are seasons where obsession fuels growth, but I think it’s just as important to “come up for air” and nurture the other parts of life such health, love, relationships, personal growth. Those are what sustain us long enough to actually enjoy the business we’ve worked so hard to build. That's what balance means to me.
I love this Vicki and your approach... you expressed it very eloquently ❤️
And yes, we are all different, and we need to do what work for us. We all have different rhythm, personal preferences, capacity to focus etc... being aware of using our energy wisely is a super power!
This is so true. When I started my editing business back in late 2021, my local friends would get so angry with me for saying no to things. But I had to figure out 1) how to be a business owner and 2) I was obsessed with figuring out how to further my skills and figure out marketing.
Thank you Kourtney for reading and sharing your experience.
Social pressure… It’s such a fascinating topic in this context right? You need discipline to be able to say no to friends, kudos to you for doing so 👏 I believe that’s what differentiates at some point the “winners”.
Really appreciate this take and especially the reminder that health has to come first, because without it, everything else eventually crumbles. I’ve found balance isn’t about splitting time evenly, it’s about managing energy. Some days that means being fully immersed in the business for 12+ hours, other days it means shifting attention to family, connection, or simply rest.
Yes, there are seasons where obsession fuels growth, but I think it’s just as important to “come up for air” and nurture the other parts of life such health, love, relationships, personal growth. Those are what sustain us long enough to actually enjoy the business we’ve worked so hard to build. That's what balance means to me.
I love this Vicki and your approach... you expressed it very eloquently ❤️
And yes, we are all different, and we need to do what work for us. We all have different rhythm, personal preferences, capacity to focus etc... being aware of using our energy wisely is a super power!
This is so true. When I started my editing business back in late 2021, my local friends would get so angry with me for saying no to things. But I had to figure out 1) how to be a business owner and 2) I was obsessed with figuring out how to further my skills and figure out marketing.
Great article!
Thank you Kourtney for reading and sharing your experience.
Social pressure… It’s such a fascinating topic in this context right? You need discipline to be able to say no to friends, kudos to you for doing so 👏 I believe that’s what differentiates at some point the “winners”.