The concept of work/life balance is a frequent topic of discussion in the business world, but it often remains superficial. While strategies to prevent work stress from encroaching on personal life are valuable, we must delve deeper into the core issues. When our personal lives suffer, our emotional needs can seep into our professional realm, leading to unhealthy patterns that can impede our success. Achieving work/life balance is inherently challenging, and its difficulty can increase with success. The true goal is to harmonize our professional and personal lives in a way that supports our desired lifestyle, requiring us to show up as our whole selves.

Whole Leadership: A Holistic Approach

Leadership starts from within. Great leaders adopt a holistic approach, addressing their body, mind, heart, and spirit. We must model the behaviors we wish to see in our team members. How we care for ourselves profoundly impacts our presence in both the workplace and at home.

Initially, self-care might feel selfish or counterintuitive, but it’s essential for presenting our best selves to the world. A common mistake among leaders is allowing productivity demands to push self-care off the calendar. What begins as a lunch break often shrinks to a protein bar at the desk and eventually to a caffeine-only diet. This well-intentioned neglect of self-care can lead to frustration, fatigue, and burnout—qualities no one wants in a leader.

Self-care supports not only our leadership but also helps us stay attuned to our personal and professional lives. For example, pushing too hard in personal life can lead to anxiety and frustration, diminishing what we offer to others. Signs of approaching imbalance include irritability, impatience, and a tendency to unfairly push clients. Effective leadership involves projecting peace and active listening, which begins with self-awareness and self-care.

Maintaining Balance Through Self-Care

Self-care varies for everyone and evolves over time. It’s crucial to start each day with a routine that leaves you feeling strong, focused, grounded, and energized. My own routine includes quiet time, inspiring reading, exercise, and a healthy breakfast. I also engage in activities that nurture my heart and spirit, such as spending time with friends, hiking with my husband, or enjoying solo moments. These practices prepare me to meet clients and lead my coaching company with energy and clarity.

Leaders often face intense situations requiring calm discernment, which is impossible without proper self-care. From personal experience, if I neglect my peace practices, client and team stress can become contagious. Recognizing the signs of emotional strain is vital.

Under pressure, self-care is often the first casualty. It may feel awkward initially, but I encourage you to reevaluate your self-care practices. For instance, during a recent keynote in Florida, I prepared by waking up early, listening to a podcast, exercising, and eating clean. I declined post-event activities to rest. This preparation ensured I could perform at my best despite the time zone difference.

Creating a Thrive Plan

To thrive, rather than just survive, intentionality is key. I work with leaders worldwide, helping them develop a Thrive Plan. This plan is categorized into daily, weekly, monthly, and annual practices:

• Establish a routine that energizes you. Experiment with new practices if needed.
• Dedicate one day to non-productivity. Use this time for activities that rejuvenate you, like nature walks, reading, or yoga.
• Engage in activities that differ from your daily or weekly routine. This could include hobbies, overnight trips, or starting a garden.
• Plan a week-long getaway to reset. Explore new places or simply rest. The goal is to return refreshed and energized.

Design your own Thrive Plan to bring more balance into your life. For further insights on creating a fulfilling life, check out my book, *The Life You’re Made For*. Remember, you’re worth it, and those around you are counting on your well-being.

Dr. Heather Penny is a leadership coach, trusted advisor, speaker, and author. Through her 3C Living program, she helps individuals find clarity, grow confidence, and engage their courage to live their best lives. She is the author of *The Life You’re Made For* and *The Life You’re Made For: Coaching Companion*. Heather resides in Northern California with her family. Learn more at (www.heatherpenny.com).