Finding Your Balance (Without Losing Your Edge)
Let’s have an honest moment: when you’re a high-achiever, the word “balance” can feel like a joke. Between the meetings, deadlines, and life’s constant demands, balance often gets left behind in the hustle.
But here’s the truth: living in overdrive isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a shortcut to burnout. The good news? Balance doesn’t mean doing less; it means doing things differently. So, let’s dig into some creative, real-life strategies to bring more balance into your life without losing your edge.
1. Balance Means What You Say It Means
Forget the Instagram-perfect life. Your balance doesn’t have to look like yoga retreats and color-coded calendars (unless you’re into that!). Ask yourself:
What feels “off” right now?
What would make you feel more aligned and energized?
Maybe it’s leaving work on time to catch your kid’s soccer game or saying “no” to that third meeting of the day. Balance starts when you define it for you.
2. The Power of a Short List
Reminder: You can’t do it all, and trying to will drive you straight into the ground. Here’s the trick: make a list of three priorities every day. Just three.
At work: What’s the one thing that will move the needle?
At home: What will make you feel grounded today?
Knock those out first, and give yourself permission to let the rest wait. Spoiler alert: it will.
3. Mini Breaks = Major Wins
Think balance requires an epic vacation? Nope. A 5-minute pause can work wonders.
Step outside and let the sun hit your face.
Try a little box breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4).
Blast your favorite song and dance like nobody’s watching.
These micro-moments add up to big energy shifts. Trust me, your brain will thank you.
4. Boundaries Are the Real Flex
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Set boundaries to protect your energy—and stick to them.
At work: Set a hard stop on your day. The emails can wait.
With yourself: Say “no” to things that drain you, even if FOMO tries to creep in.
Every time you protect your time, you’re saying “yes” to what really matters.
5. Fuel Your Ambition
Think of your body as the engine for your ambition. Are you giving it what it needs?
Move your body daily, even if it’s a walk to grab your coffee.
Eat food that fuels you, not food that makes you crash. (Yes, I’m looking at you, vending machine snacks.)
Drink your water. Hydration = high performance.
6. Unplug, Even for a Little While
Let’s face it—our phones are both a blessing and a curse. Give yourself a break from the screen.
Set “no phone” hours during your day.
Try an analog activity: read a book, cook a meal, or just sit with your thoughts.
You might be surprised at how much clearer and calmer you feel.
7. Gratitude Changes Everything
Balance isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about how you think.
Start your day by listing three things you’re grateful for.
End it by celebrating one win, big or small.
Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already amazing.
Progress Over Perfection
Here’s the thing: balance isn’t a box you check off. It’s a practice—a way of showing up for yourself in the chaos. Some days will be smooth; others will be a hot mess. That’s okay. The question isn’t, “How do I get it all right?” It’s, “What’s one thing I can do today to feel a little more grounded?”
So, what’s your move? Share it with me—I’d love to hear how you’re creating your own version of balance.
If you enjoyed this blog post, here are some other resources you might enjoy:
My book, "Dare To Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter": The winner of two Feathered Quill Book awards, and an Book Excellence award, and recommended by Forbes in 2022 as “a teaching memoir”.
My podcast, the "Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner" podcast: An award-winning and internationally streamed show that highlights powerful stories of re-creation and reinvention from guests who have taken their life experiences, and used that knowledge to create their “next chapters” and live their best lives.
My work as a keynote speaker, executive coach and communication expert. You can read more about more of my services here.
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