Work-life balance is a term that has been marketed as the holy grail for working professionals, especially for working moms. The idea of perfectly balancing your career, family, personal needs, and self-care sounds amazing! Yet, for many, the pursuit of this elusive balance feels more like a never-ending juggling act. Plates spin precariously, balls are dropped, and guilt becomes a constant companion. Why? Because the concept of work-life balance, as it’s traditionally portrayed, is a myth.

Read on to learn why work-life balance is unattainable in its idealized form and how we can reframe it to create a life that feels meaningful, flexible, and sustainable.

The Problem with Work-Life Balance

At its core, the term “balance” suggests a 50/50 split between work and life. This implies that these are two separate and opposing forces constantly at odds. In reality, life doesn’t work that way—especially for moms who wear many hats: employee, parent, partner, friend, and more. Here are three reasons why the traditional idea of work-life balance is flawed:

1. It’s Unrealistic

Life is unpredictable. Your child gets sick, a work deadline shifts, or an unexpected opportunity arises. Trying to maintain a perfectly balanced schedule ignores the fluid nature of life. No day or week will look exactly the same, and that’s okay. Demanding perfection in balancing work and life sets you up for frustration and guilt.

2. It Creates False Expectations

The work-life balance narrative often paints an idyllic picture of stress-free days, productive work hours, and ample time for family and self-care. This ideal rarely accounts for the complexities of real life. When we fail to meet these expectations, we may feel like we’re failing—not realizing that the standard itself is unattainable.

3. It Overlooks Personal Priorities

Not everyone wants or needs the same version of balance. What feels balanced for one person might feel chaotic for another. The one-size-fits-all approach fails to honor individual values, priorities, and goals.

The Reframe: Work-Life Harmony

Instead of chasing an impossible balance, consider reframing the concept into work-life harmony. Harmony allows for the natural ebb and flow of life and acknowledges that different aspects of your life will take precedence at different times. Here’s why this shift in perspective is so powerful:

1. It’s Flexible

Harmony is dynamic, not static. Some days, work will demand more of your attention; other days, family or personal priorities will take center stage. Harmony lets you adjust and flow without the pressure of keeping everything perfectly “balanced.”

2. It’s Personalized

Harmony is about aligning your time and energy with what matters most to you. It requires clarity on your values and the willingness to say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities.

3. It’s Sustainable

When you stop striving for balance and start seeking harmony, you give yourself permission to let go of perfection. This mindset shift reduces guilt and stress, making it easier to sustain your efforts over the long term.

How to Cultivate Work-Life Harmony

Creating work-life harmony isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about reimagining how you approach your days. Here are some actionable steps to help you get started:

1. Define Your Priorities

What truly matters to you? Take time to identify your core values and priorities. These will serve as your guideposts when deciding how to allocate your time and energy.

2. Set and Communicate Boundaries

Healthy boundaries are essential for work-life harmony. Set limits around your work hours, family time, and personal time—and communicate these boundaries clearly to others. For example, if evenings are reserved for family, let your colleagues know you won’t be available for emails or meetings during that time. I dive deeper into this here.

3. Embrace Seasons of Life

Understand that life happens in seasons. There will be times when your career takes precedence—like during a big project or promotion—and times when family needs are front and center, such as during the holidays or a child’s milestone event. Embracing these seasons can help you navigate shifts without guilt. For me, it’s a literal season—in the Fall, our kids’ activities are at an all-time high, and I have to accept, and lean into, the crazy!

4. Delegate and Outsource

Harmony often requires help. Delegate tasks at work and home whenever possible (more on this in my blog here). Whether it’s asking a colleague to take on part of a project or hiring someone to clean your house, sharing the load can free up time and reduce overwhelm.

5. Practice Intentional Self-Care

True self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days—it’s about meeting your basic needs and doing what replenishes your energy. Schedule regular time for rest, hobbies, and activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. (See more about why self-care is non-negotiable here!)

6. Reflect and Adjust

Harmony is a continuous process. Regularly assess what’s working and what isn’t, and make adjustments as needed. Life changes, and so will your definition of harmony.

The Bottom Line: Choose What Works for You

Rejecting the myth of work-life balance doesn’t mean giving up on a fulfilling life—it means redefining what fulfillment looks like for you. By embracing work-life harmony, you allow for a life that reflects your priorities and adapts to your needs. It’s about progress, not perfection; alignment, not rigid division.

So, the next time you feel the pressure to balance everything perfectly, remind yourself that harmony, not balance, is the goal. Let go of the myth and step into a life where all the parts work together!