April 5

1 comments

Intentional Imbalance

Every day, we try to strive for a work/life balance. But we pretty much suck at it.

When we're trying to chill out, we can't help but think about work. Or when we're working, we feel guilty for not hanging out with the family.

But that's because true work/life balance is a bit of a myth.

I mean, if we ever found that magical point of true work/life balance, we would freeze in our tracks and say, "Shhh!!!...Nobody move..."

Ironically, obsessing over work/life balance stresses us out even more.

What's more realistic is intentional imbalance.

When you're doing work, go at it hard. Be as efficient as possible. If you have a monumental project coming up, have your periods of creative lockdown.

But when you're unplugging and letting go, go hard there, too. Turn the phone off. Disconnect from the internet for a while.

Go (gasp) off the grid...

Intentional imbalance is a more realistic expectation, and therefore less stressful.

You'll not only get more things done and enjoy better down time, but you won't have to feel guilty about either one.

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About Jonathan Roberts

I am the founder and director of the South Shore Piano School, and I have been teaching the piano for nearly 20 years. My work centers around bringing music to the lives of kids, parents, and adults in an enriching, meaningful way. At the South Shore Piano School, my incredible colleagues and I accomplish this through skill-based teaching, community, and an innovative, people-first business model. You can read more about me here.

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  1. I like your idea of intentional imbalance. Makes total sense. But I’m thinking the hardest part will be (GASP!!) unplugging from the internet, social media and all those notifications that aren’t being received. I’m glad I grew up w/o a cell phone!! It’s not attached to me every single minute of every day & I frequently go out w/o it. Although I will admit when I realize I don’t have my phone, there is a minute or two of panic.

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