Do not misinterpret the message behind working stronger and not longer. Stronger Advisor is not a plea for work-life balance. It is a prescription for Work-Life Performance, my term for when you consistently thrive at work and in life.
The phrase “work-life balance” has always irked me. It should not be the goal. You can have balance between work and life without excelling at either. Having work-life balance does not guarantee you health, wealth, relationships, success, or fulfillment.
The concept of work-life balance implies that work is negative and professional ambition is unhealthy. Yet, many advisors derive meaning, purpose, and satisfaction from their work. Being told to balance life and work can make you feel like you have to hold back and not bring your best effort to either, which is unsatisfying and demotivating.
Having work-life balance also says nothing about how well you use your time at work and outside of work. Working less will not improve your work or life if you use your time poorly at work or waste your free time engaging in harmful behaviors, such as doomscrolling through social media, watching inane television shows, consuming alcohol and junk food, or socializing with toxic people.
Instead of aiming for work-life balance, strive for Work-Life Performance.
Someone with Work-Life Performance brings their best effort and habits to their work and to the rest of their life. They are intentional about how they structure and move through each day. Their lives complement their work, and vice versa. Each provides energy to the other. Neither holds the other back.
About the Author
Pete Leibman helps ambitious professionals build the energy, focus, and resilience to sustain high performance. He delivers keynotes, workshops, and webinars for leading consulting firms, law firms, financial services firms, and professional associations. Pete is the author of three books and more than 300 articles on sustainable high performance. His latest book is Stronger Advisor: High-Performance Habits for Consultants, Lawyers, and Advisors.
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