It’s no secret that executive women face unique challenges when it comes to work-life balance. Juggling a demanding career with family responsibilities can be difficult, and it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly falling short in either area. While many of us view work-life balance as an achievement to be reached, Harvard Business Review makes the argument that it’s not an achievement at all, but rather a cycle.

The 2021 article explained that “achieving better balance between professional and personal priorities boils down to a combination of reflexivity — or questioning assumptions to increase self-awareness — and intentional role redefinition,” and went on to state that professionals must actively and continuously engage in a five-step cycle in order to maintain balance. The steps are as follows:

1. Pause and denormalize.
2. Pay attention to your emotions.
3. Reprioritize.
4. Consider your alternatives.
5. Implement changes.

The Work-Life Balance Cycle and Executive Women

The modern workplace can be demanding; That much is clear. With the ever-increasing expectation to be available 24/7, it can feel nearly impossible to maintain healthy boundaries and reach some semblance of work-life balance. This is especially true for women in executive and professional positions, who often feel the pressure to succeed both in their careers and in their personal lives. However, understanding that work-life balance isn’t a destination but rather a journey might just be the key to reaching it.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that any goal worth achieving is also going to be an instant success. We live in a world of instant gratification, where we can get what we want with the click of a button. But the problem with this mindset is that it sets us up for disappointment and frustration. When we view anything as a destination, we expect to see instantaneous results. And when those results don’t materialize, we feel like failures. The truth is, most worthwhile goals are going to be journeys, not destinations. It’s important to keep this in mind, so that you don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Instead, focus on the progress you’re making and keep in mind that you always have the option to step back, reevaluate, and reprioritize.

Tips to Set Yourself up for a Successful Work-Life Balance

Now that you understand the importance of viewing work-life balance as a cycle, here are some steps executive and professional women can take to set themselves up for success and harmony in both their professional and personal lives.

• Make time for yourself: It’s important to schedule time for activities that help you relax and recharge. Whether it’s reading, taking a yoga class, or just taking a few moments to yourself each day, find ways to fit self-care into your busy schedule.
• Communicate with your family and friends: Discuss your work-life balance goals with your loved ones and ask for their support. Let them know when you need some extra help or understanding.
• Seek out a support network: Connect with other executive women who understand the challenges you face. This could be through a professional organization or simply by networking with peers. As a member of Equita, a financial network by women, for women, I can attest firsthand to how valuable a support network can be.
• Be realistic: Set realistic goals for yourself and your family. Trying to do too much can lead to burnout, so it’s important to find a healthy balance.
• Delegate as needed: In our previous blog, we shared the benefits of delegating. From gaining back time to improving your communication skills, learning to delegate to others is a fantastic way to enhance your work-life balance.

At WealthChoice, we understand the career and financial challenges executive and professional women face. If you feel you would benefit from having a financial partner in your corner who truly gets it, please reach out. We’d love to speak with you!