Don’t try for it.
At least, don’t try to achieve it in a day. A week, more manageable. A month, a year, a decade – now we can talk. Even in that time scale, it takes intentionality to achieve a balance. It takes work to leave work aside.
At least, that’s my experience. And I think it’s the experience of anyone who truly loves the work they do. I suppose one alternative would be to choose work that doesn’t light you up. But that’s a choice I was never willing to make.
I take every moment I can to prioritize my life over my work. And I take every opportunity I can to include my family in my work – to share time and space with them, but also to let them see their parents fulfilled in their careers. It’s like the James Taylor record title, Dad Loves His Work.
I choose not to worry about work-life balance, but only because I don’t believe in it. I believe in a life that includes people you love, work that inspires, and not quite enough time for all of it.