Living an Integrated Life
Work-life balance. It’s an elusive concept that we’ve all considered, but many of us struggle to achieve. The idea of balance is an important consideration when thinking about holistic wellbeing in life and work. But it’s only a starting point to what I consider the more realistic and perhaps even more gratifying path towards an Integrated Life.
A perfectly “balanced” life between work, life, and other areas requires tracking how we spend our time and ensuring that it's split equally and fairly. But what if an equal division is not what we really need or want? And what if our current reality makes “balance” impossible (i.e. a new job requiring extra hours or a new child requiring more attention at home)?
If we try to achieve perfect balance, we may be adding yet one more pursuit or one more ambition — that if we are not able to achieve, will cause us to feel a sense of failure. Imagine that you’re balancing on a tightrope… you can feel the intensity in every step you take and every decision you make. That is not the feeling I want you to aim for in your life.
The more optimal day-to-day experience of integration requires us to step off the tightrope and come back to the ground. From this place, we are able to fall back on the elements of knowing what we want and where we are going to help us navigate and command each day, week, moment.
A life that is truly integrated is one where you are able to weave all aspects of your life together, and show up feeling whole in every situation you have chosen to give your time and energy to. When you take command of life in this way — instead of being a victim, stressed, drained, or pressured as you face your responsibilities — you will show up energetically and more joyfully. You will follow through with your commitments because you chose them.
Kristine Steinberg is the CEO of Kismet. She believes that your life should be deeply fulfilling — not tolerated. Partner with Kismet to dismantle fear, define your path, and lead with courage. Start your transformation today.