Alignment
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Daily Thought
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs
Let’s Discuss
We've been sold a bill of goods when it comes to work-life balance. A lovely but unrealistic idea that if we just work hard enough, we can divide our time and energy evenly between the office and everything else.
But our brains don't work that way. And our days don't work that way either. There are always more things to do than time available. More passion projects, more emails, more meetings. So we end up half-invested while trying to keep a dozen plates spinning.
The balancing act is exhausting because balance implies tradeoffs. This for that. You for me. But when we have to choose between things we care about, nobody wins.
What if there was a third way? An aligned way?
Instead of balancing, we could align work and life so they power each other. So they magnify each other. Not a 50-50 give and take, but a 100-100 virtuous cycle.
This starts with being honest with yourself about what you were put here to do. Get clear on your purpose. Your passion. The change you want to make in the world.
Now make decisions to put more of that purpose, passion and mission into everything you do.
Design work that fuels you. Pursue progress that matters with people who inspire you. Surround yourself with a community that appreciates your unique abilities. Collaborate on challenges that play to your natural strengths and talents.
Build a life outside work filled with adventure, meaning and joy. Be present with friends and family who appreciate you. Explore hobbies that captivate your curiosity. Travel to places that expand your perspective. Get lost now and then. Find flow.
When the lines blur between work and life, "balance" takes care of itself. The fire dies when it runs out of things to burn. But when we start fires in both places, they feed each other, and we thrive.
Tips for Achieving Alignment
Take inventory of your core values and create a purpose statement
Set life goals across key areas like health, relationships, personal growth
Design an ideal week full of meaningful, energizing activities
Batch similar tasks to maximize focus and efficiency
Schedule time for reflection, fun and adventure
Say no to obligations that distract from your purpose
Iterate persistedly toward alignment
Ultimately, forget balance.
Seek harmony between work and life instead.
When you're clear on purpose and priorities, everything else seamlessly aligns.