How Can I Achieve Work-Life Balance if I Have BIG Goals? (Spoiler Alert: You Can’t)

Here’s the hard truth: if you want to be truly great at something, you will never have perfect balance. Balance is for those who are okay with staying in the middle—comfortable, predictable, and safe. But if you have big goals, if you’re striving for greatness, balance simply isn’t part of the equation.

That’s not a bad thing, and it doesn’t mean you’re destined for burnout or sacrifice in every other area of your life. It means you need a mindset shift. Instead of chasing balance, focus on harmony. When you are in harmony it allows you to thrive in all aspects of your life, even when one area—like your career, a big project, or a personal goal—demands most of your time and energy.

It’s important to recognize that if you’re striving for greatness, it’s not only okay but often necessary to be obsessed, addicted, and disciplined in the area where you want to excel. Society tends to label obsession negatively, and people around us may tease, discourage, or even punish us for being so single-minded. But let me tell you something: being obsessed is a strength.

Obsession reflects dedication, loyalty, and perseverance—all traits that are not only admirable but, in my opinion, incredibly sexy. It shows that you’re willing to go all in for what you believe in, and that’s a rare quality. So, embrace it. Be unapologetically obsessed with your goals and your vision. It’s your life, and greatness demands nothing less than full commitment. Go ahead, make obsession your superpower.

First Things First Kick Balance to the Curb:

Balance often gets misinterpreted as giving equal time and attention to every part of your life. But when you’re chasing greatness, that’s simply not realistic. Instead, think of harmony as aligning your priorities so that your time and energy flow naturally to what matters most at any given moment.

Ask Yourself:

• What are my top priorities right now?
• Which areas of my life need more focus, and which can take a backseat temporarily?
• How can I ensure that even my less prioritized areas still receive some attention?

Get Rid of Anything that Doesn't Serve Your Goals:

Greatness requires sacrifice—it’s a fact. But not all sacrifices are created equal. The key is to take your priorities list and then get rid of any and everything that doesn't serve those priorities.

What does this look like:

• Identify what’s truly non-negotiable in your life (e.g., family time, health, or personal relationships).
• Be willing to let go of things that don’t align with your current goals or add value.
• Remember that sacrifices are temporary; you can recalibrate as seasons of life change.

Example: You might spend less time socializing while working on a major goal but carve out quality time for your closest relationships.

Create Systems to Support Your Life

Harmony thrives on structure and believe it or not we do too. By creating systems and routines, you can streamline your responsibilities and free up mental space for what truly matters.

Ideas for Creating Systems:

• Automate: Use tools and apps for scheduling, reminders, and repetitive tasks.
• Delegate: Outsource tasks at work and home to focus on your strengths.
• Batch Work/Double Dip:Group similar tasks together to boost efficiency, like meal prepping or responding to emails in one focused session. Double dip by combining activities, such as reading a book to grow your knowledge while relaxing in the sauna.

Pro Tip: Systems don’t mean rigidity. They provide the structure to function at high levels and allows you to pivot and adapt when life demands it.

The Truth About Balance vs. Harmony

The truth is, balance as it’s often defined is a myth for people with big goals. But harmony? Harmony is achievable. It’s about making intentional choices, creating systems, and nurturing the areas of your life that matter most while still pursuing greatness.

Greatness isn’t about perfection—it’s about focus, purpose, and aligning your life with your vision. You can’t do it all, but you can do what matters most. And when you prioritize harmony, you can create a life that feels full and fulfilling, even when one area takes center stage.