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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