“Kevin,” you ask, “If work life balance is a myth, then, what do I do instead? How do I make a difference and make my life count? I want to be productive on and off the job, earn that six-figure income while being true to myself. I want to be a great spouse and parent. I want wealth, financial independence, and security so I can be in a position to help and serve others in my community. I want to be healthy, feel more settled in my spirit, and secure my future. What do I do to make my life work better? How do I become a leader in my life?”
Up to this point in my posts, I’ve held off providing you the alternative to work life balance for a reason.
My goal was simple. I really wanted you to ponder just how ingrained the mythology of balance is in our culture. It is frankly not that unusual of a happening when an entire culture misses the point. Did you know…
- At the turn of the 20th century, cocaine was readily available as a "helpful" remedy for people who had lost their energy. Coca-Cola’s name is derived from cocaine because it was (is no longer) the key ingredient.
- In the mid-20th century, cigarettes were considered helpful to many lung and breathing ailments. It was similar to the way a parent might give a child with a chest cold a vaporizer to help them sleep more comfortably at night.
There are just times when the public and popular culture have it wrong. Before I make my next post and I share an alternative world view with you, consider the following questions.
- In my pursuit of work life balance, what have I really been after?
- Do I agree with Kevin’s premise that work life balance is a myth? Why or why not?
- What has it cost me to pursue a wrong ideal?