Work-life balance is a popular term that was coined approx. 40 years ago! Work-life balance has been used in the context of needing more time to develop personally, outside of the workplace, be it through vacation or quality time with family. I, myself, have gravitated towards using the term work-life integration, instead of work-life balance. 

In my experience, I’ve never sensed the opposition between work and life. I’ve been happiest and most productive when the two facets of my life are in harmony, synergistic. Most picture work-life balance as a literal scale, weighing your options, almost creating a sense of competition between the two activities. Integration is a different perspective, that tackles the problem with a unique approach. 

In the modern age, especially in the COVID era, it’s no wonder why work-life integration has become so popular. How could you draw a line between work and life while you’re on a Zoom in your kitchen with your kid screaming their head off grabbing at your leg, or your dog jumping up on your lap to steal the spotlight. There’s no need to teeter on the edge of a sensible work-life balance; the LINE IS GONE, and the data shows it’s probably not coming back. 
Quote: “IMAGINE LIFE AS A GAME IN WHICH YOU ARE JUGGLING SOME FIVE BALLS IN THE AIR. YOU NAME THEM – WORK, FAMILY, HEALTH, FRIENDS AND SPIRIT AND YOU’RE KEEPING ALL OF THESE IN THE AIR. YOU WILL SOON UNDERSTAND THAT WORK IS A RUBBER BALL. IF YOU DROP IT, IT WILL BOUNCE BACK. BUT THE OTHER FOUR BALLS ARE MADE OF GLASS. IF YOU DROP ONE OF THESE, THEY WILL BE IRREVOCABLY SCUFFED, MARKED, NICKED, DAMAGED, OR EVEN SHATTERED. THEY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT AND STRIVE FOR BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE.” – Brian Dyson
Balance is still a necessary component of work-life integration. Work-life integration makes the steady balancing act possible. Balance is simply the equal distribution between the various supporting elements of life we’ve discussed so far in this episode: work, family, health, education, personal development, etc. 
When all parts of your life are in harmony, and work towards a greater quality of life, there’s no difference between work-life balance and work-life integration. If you feel fulfilled in life, it’s likely that you’ve struck the ideal balance, or for my foodies out there, that you’ve crafted the perfect recipe with the best blend of ingredients for success and happiness.
If we become so accustomed, almost programmed, to immediately respond to the URGENT, we’ll always be distracted and consumed with what seems to be a “pressing” work matter. Is it REALLY that pressing?!? 
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066: Work Life Integration VS Balance

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Today’s quote is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle. 
Quote: “First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end." – Aristotle
Analysis: This quote by Aristotle is often interpreted as a call to action to set clear goals and objectives, and then to develop and use the necessary resources and skills to achieve those goals. The quote suggests that it is important to first have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, and then to gather the resources and knowledge you need to make it happen. Finally, the quote suggests that you should adjust and adapt your strategies and methods to ensure that they are aligned with your ultimate goal. In this way, the quote encourages us to be purposeful and deliberate in our actions, and to use our resources and abilities to achieve our goals.
If you don't have the resources you need to reach your goals, it can be discouraging and challenging. However, it's important to remember that many people have overcome obstacles and lack of resources to achieve their goals. Here are a few things you can do if you don't have the resources you need to reach your goals:

Identify alternative ways to achieve your goals. Is there another way you can reach your goal, even if you don't have all the resources you need? For example, if you want to go to college but can't afford it, there may be scholarship or financial aid options available.

Look for opportunities to acquire the resources you need. Is there a way you can earn or acquire the resources you need to reach your goal? For example, if you need money to start a business, you could consider taking on a part-time job or starting a side hustle to save up the money you need.

Seek out support and assistance from others. Sometimes, other people can provide the resources and support you need to achieve your goals. Talk to friends, family, or professionals who may be able to offer guidance, advice, or other forms of support.

By being creative and resourceful, and by seeking out support and assistance from others, you can find ways to overcome the lack of resources and achieve your goals.


Determination is the quality of being firmly resolved to do something, and it helps us to stay focused and committed to achieving our goals, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. Perseverance, on the other hand, is the quality of continuing to do something despite difficulties or setbacks. It helps us to keep pushing forward, even when things are tough, and to never give up on our dreams.
Together, determination and perseverance help us to stay focused and motivated on the path to achieving our goals. They give us the strength and resilience we need to overcome challenges and obstacles, and to keep moving forward, even when the road is difficult. By cultivating these qualities, we can develop the mental and emotional strength we need to achieve our goals and live a more fulfilling and successful life.

101: Obtaining the Necessary Means to Achieve Your Ends

Today’s quote is attributed to Ben Okri, a Nigerian-British poet and novelist.
Quote: “The fact of storytelling hints at a fundamental human unease, hints at human imperfection. Where there is perfection there is no story to tell.” – Ben Okri
Overall, this quote suggests that storytelling is an essential part of the human experience, and is a way for us to explore and understand the imperfections and challenges of our lives. By telling stories, we can express our fears, doubts, and anxieties, and find meaning and purpose in the imperfections and difficulties that are inherent in being human. 
Storytelling is an essential part of the human experience for a number of reasons. Some of the ways in which storytelling is important to the human experience include:

Storytelling allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through storytelling, we can communicate our ideas, emotions, and experiences to others, and share them with the world.

Storytelling helps us to make sense of the world around us. By listening to and telling stories, we can learn about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

Storytelling allows us to connect with others. By sharing stories with each other, we can build connections and relationships with other people, and form a sense of community and belonging.

Storytelling helps us to preserve our history and heritage. By telling stories, we can preserve the memories, experiences, and traditions of our ancestors, and pass them down to future generations.

Overall, storytelling is an essential part of the human experience because it allows us to express ourselves, make sense of the world, connect with others, and preserve our history and heritage. By telling and listening to stories, we can learn about ourselves, our communities, and the world we live in.
The concept of the human condition is an ancient one, and has been explored by philosophers, theologians, and other thinkers throughout history. The first written references to the human condition can be found in ancient texts, such as the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Tao Te Ching. These texts discuss the challenges and struggles that are inherent in being human, and explore the ways in which people can find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Overall, the concept of the human condition has been explored by many different thinkers throughout history, and continues to be a topic of interest and debate among philosophers, theologians, and other thinkers today.

100: Expressing Ourselves through Storytelling: The Human Condition

Quote: Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. – Andrew Carnegie
Analysis: This quote by Andrew Carnegie is often interpreted as a celebration of the power of teamwork. Carnegie suggests that teamwork is a key factor in achieving success, because it allows people to work together towards a common goal. He also highlights the importance of aligning individual efforts with the goals of the organization, and suggests that teamwork can help people to achieve results that would not be possible alone.
The quote suggests that teamwork is an essential quality for any group or organization that wants to achieve success. By working together, people can combine their talents, skills, and experiences to achieve results that are greater than the sum of their individual efforts. This is what Carnegie means when he says that teamwork is the "fuel" that allows common people to achieve uncommon results. In other words, by working together, people can achieve things that would be impossible for them to accomplish on their own.
Fostering teamwork can be challenging for a number of reasons. Some of the challenges that organizations may face when trying to foster teamwork include:

Lack of trust and communication: In some cases, team members may not trust each other, or may have difficulty communicating and collaborating with each other. This can make it difficult for the team to work together effectively.

Different personalities and work styles: Teams are made up of individuals with different personalities, backgrounds, and work styles. This can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings, which can make it difficult for the team to work together.

Lack of shared goals and objectives: If team members don't have a clear understanding of the team's goals and objectives, they may not be motivated to work together towards a common goal. This can make it difficult for the team to achieve its objectives.

Misalignment of individual and team goals: In some cases, team members may have different goals and priorities than the team as a whole. This can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings, and can make it difficult for the team to work together effectively.

Lack of support and resources: If team members don't have the support and resources they need to do their jobs effectively, it can be difficult for them to work together and achieve their goals.


A team defines success in different ways, depending on the team's goals, objectives, and priorities. For some teams, success may be measured in terms of the team's ability to achieve specific goals or objectives, such as completing a project on time or within budget. For other teams, success may be measured in terms of the team's performance, such as the number of sales they make or the number of customer service issues they resolve.
It's important to note that success is not always measured in terms of tangible results or outcomes. For some teams, success may be measured in terms of the team's ability to work together effectively, to foster collaboration and communication, or to create a positive team culture. In these cases, success may be more difficult to measure, but it is no less important for the team's overall success.

099: Fostering Teamwork: Painting the Picture of Success

Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Analysis: It suggests that people are more likely to remember how they felt in a particular situation rather than the specific words or actions of someone. This is because emotions are often more powerful and long-lasting than other forms of information.
In other words, the way someone makes another person feel can have a lasting impact on them, even if they forget the details of the situation. This highlights the importance of being aware of how our actions and words may affect others.
Here are a SIX ways you can leave a great impression on people:

Be punctual: Show up on time for meetings, appointments, and social events. Being punctual demonstrates respect for other people's time and shows that you are reliable and dependable.

Be present and engaged: When you are with someone, give them your full attention. Avoid distractions like checking your phone or multitasking, and actively listen to what they have to say.

Be kind and respectful: Treat others with compassion and respect, regardless of your differences. Being kind and respectful helps build trust and positive relationships.

Be a good communicator: Clearly and effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas. Use active listening skills and ask questions to show that you are interested in the conversation.

Be proactive and take initiative: Look for ways to contribute and be of service to others. Show that you are willing to take on new challenges and go above and beyond what is expected of you.

Maintain a positive attitude: Stay positive and optimistic, even in the face of challenges. A positive attitude can be contagious and can help build positive relationships with others.

It is important to be aware of how our actions and words may affect others because our behavior and communication can have a significant impact on the people around us. Our behavior and words can either positively or negatively affect the emotions, thoughts, and actions of those we interact with. 
Being aware of this can help us to be more considerate and empathetic in our interactions with others, which can improve our relationships and create a more positive and harmonious environment. Additionally, understanding the potential impact of our actions and words can also help us to avoid causing harm or offense to others.
To be more considerate and empathetic, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, try to put yourself in other people's shoes and see things from their perspective. This can help you to understand their emotions and needs better and respond in a more understanding and compassionate way. Secondly, try to be more attentive to the nonverbal cues of others, such as their body language and tone of voice.
This can help you to pick up on their emotional state and respond accordingly. Thirdly, try to be more active in listening to others and truly hearing what they have to say, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. This can help to foster a sense of connection and understanding between you and the other person. Finally, try to be more mindful of your own actions and words and how they may affect others. This can help you to avoid causing harm or offense and to be more thoughtful in your interactions with others.

098: How to Leave a Powerful, Long-Lasting Impression on People

Quote: If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced. –Vincent Van Gogh
Analysis: This quote is often interpreted as a call to action to pursue your passions and interests, even if there is a voice inside you that tells you that you cannot do something. Van Gogh is saying that if you have a desire to paint, for example, you should not let that inner voice discourage you and instead should focus on your passion and give it your all. By doing this, the voice will eventually be silenced, and you will be able to create and achieve what you want. The quote suggests that we should not be held back by our doubts and fears, but instead should push ourselves to pursue our dreams and talents.
Embracing your inner voice can be a powerful way to connect with your own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Here are a few ways you can do this:
Take some time to be alone and quiet. This can be a great opportunity to tune out distractions and focus on your inner thoughts and feelings.
Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This can help you tune in to your inner voice and listen to what it has to say.
Consider journaling or keeping a diary. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process them and understand your inner voice better.
Seek support and guidance from others. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your inner voice and what it is telling you. They may be able to offer insights and support that can help you embrace your inner voice.
Reflect on your values and beliefs. Spend some time thinking about what is important to you and what you believe in. This can help you understand your inner voice and what it is trying to tell you.
Developing your core values is an important step in defining who you are and what you stand for. Here are a few steps you can take to develop your own core values:
Take some time to reflect on your beliefs and experiences. Think about the things that are most important to you, and what you want to stand for in your life.
Consider the people and experiences that have had the biggest impact on you. What values did they embody, and how have those values influenced you?
Write down a list of potential core values. This could include words or phrases that describe the qualities and characteristics you want to embody.
Reflect on your list and narrow it down to your top values. Consider which values are most important to you and align with your beliefs and experiences.
Take action to live your values. Once you have identified your core values, it's important to make a conscious effort to live by them in your daily life. This can help you stay true to yourself and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Core values are important because they serve as guiding principles for our lives. They help us make decisions, set goals, and determine what is most important to us. By having a clear set of values, we can make choices that are consistent with our beliefs and goals, and avoid actions that go against what we believe in. Core values also help us to be more authentic and genuine in our interactions with others, which can build stronger relationships and improve our overall well-being. In short, having strong, well-defined core values can help us live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

066: Work Life Integration VS Balance

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