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Big Things Happen When Life is Out of Balance

Feb 01, 2025
A collage of two images. The left image shows a group of five smiling people posing in front of a large, decorated Christmas tree in an outdoor city setting with green trees and historic buildings in the background. The right image captures a panel discussion at a RYLA Oceania event, with two women seated on stage holding microphones. A large screen behind them displays an image of three runners in front of Buckingham Palace. A blue and yellow RYLA Oceania banner stands beside them with the words 'Go Fast Alone, Go Far Together' and Rotary and RYLA logos.

The Myth of Balance

You’ve probably been told that the key to success is balance—managing everything in perfect harmony, keeping all the plates spinning. But if that were true, how would any of us ever achieve something extraordinary?

Over the past few months, my life has been anything but 'balanced'. I led RYLA Oceania ELEVATE, an intensive leadership retreat that took months of planning and energy. I spent December fully present with family, embracing connection without a structured schedule. And as January rolled in, I transitioned back into my corporate role post-maternity leave, recalibrating after a season of deep leadership and personal commitments.

Balance wasn’t the goal. But looking back, I see that if life was always in perfect balance, I wouldn’t have experienced the growth and impact that came from being fully present in each of those moments.

Why Balance Isn’t the Answer (But Alignment Is)

When you chase balance, you might feel like you’re constantly failing—because real life doesn’t fit neatly into equal parts. Some seasons demand more of you at work, others pull you towards relationships, health, or creativity. Trying to give everything the same amount of attention at all times isn’t balance—it’s burnout waiting to happen.

Instead of striving for balance, what if you aimed for alignment?

💡 Alignment means making intentional choices about where your energy goes—without guilt. It’s recognising what matters most right now and committing to it fully, knowing that other areas will have their time.

Instead of asking “How do I balance it all?”, ask yourself:
What matters most in this season?
Am I making conscious choices or just reacting?
How can I be fully present where I am now?

When you trust the ebb and flow of different seasons, you create space for real growth without the pressure to do everything at once.

How to Navigate Seasons of Imbalance Without Burnout

If you’re in a season of intensity—whether that’s a career shift, growing a business, leading a project, or showing up for family—here’s how you can embrace it without feeling overwhelmed:

1. Define Your Focus (And Give Yourself Permission to Prioritise It)

Not everything needs equal attention all the time. Be intentional about where your focus is going.

For me, that meant knowing that RYLA and family time were my non-negotiables in December, and that other things—like social media, newsletters, or personal projects—would take a temporary backseat.

💡 What’s your primary focus right now? Name it. Own it. Give yourself permission to go all in.

2. Accept That You Can’t Do Everything at Once (And That’s Okay)

The hardest part of stepping fully into one thing? Letting go of the guilt that comes with putting other things on pause.

Every meaningful achievement—every career milestone, deepened relationship, or personal breakthrough—comes from seasons where one thing takes centre stage.

💡 Instead of fighting it, acknowledge it. The key isn’t to do everything at once—it’s to do what matters well.

3. Create a Plan to Recalibrate When the Season Changes

Seasons of deep focus don’t last forever. At some point, you need to reset and shift—whether that’s reintroducing neglected habits, reconnecting with people, or making space for rest.

For me, that means stepping back into my business now, reconnecting with my community, and bringing forward the lessons I’ve learned from this season into the next one.

💡 What’s your next recalibration step? How will you shift as your season evolves?

Final Thoughts: The Freedom of Letting Go of Balance

If you’ve been feeling stretched, ask yourself:

➡️ Am I in a season that requires deep focus?
➡️ Am I making intentional choices or simply reacting?
➡️ Am I giving myself permission to fully commit to what matters most right now?

The truth is, you don’t need perfect balance to create meaningful progress. You need clarity, intention, and the courage to lean into the season you’re in.

Let me know—what season are you in right now? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me a message.

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