Title: Bid Farewell to Work-Life Balance, Embrace the Work-Life Pendulum: Strategies for Equilibrium
In today's non-stop world, the notion of work-life balance is more of a fantasy than a reality. Everyone strives for it, yet few truly attain it. Behind the picture-perfect posts on social media, the lives of marketing executives, including Rekha Thomas, CEO of Path Forward Marketing, who provides marketing strategy and fractional executive services to high-growth companies, are far from balanced.
As a mom, wife, and marketing leader, Rekha has learned to accept that the ideal equilibrium of work and personal life can't be equated to balance but rather seen as a swinging pendulum. Throughout her career, she's noticed periods where her time and energy are mainly allocated to work, such as before a major product release, campaign launch, or event kickoff. Conversely, there are times when she focuses more on her family and personal commitments. She's come to appreciate that she yearns for her time and mental energy not to swing too far in one direction that she can't find her center. After all, our identities are a blend of our professional and personal selves, with this ratio flexibly changing as needed.
Over the years, Rekha has discovered five essential tips that help maintain her personal and professional harmony:
- Stay Agile and Prepared
At home, Rekha is a planner, using digital calendars (like Google or Outlook) to keep her family organized for anything from dinner parties to school events. In the workplace, she advocates for the entire marketing team to understand the strategy, shared objectives, and operational plan to accomplish our goals. This preparation, however, should not stifle adaptability. In both instances, we must be ready to adapt and adjust when circumstances require it.
- Know When to Step Back and Zoom In
At home, this may mean giving your children the freedom to explore their choices, even if not according to your preference. Save interventions for crucial moments when they need help making significant decisions. In the workplace, this translates to trusting your team. If you've hired the right individuals, give them space to demonstrate their talents, execute strategies, and create results. However, should your team face any challenges or need support or backing to overcome obstacles, it's time to zoom in.
- Pause and Celebrate the Moments that Matter
We, like Rekha, are prone to setting ambitious goals, both in our careers and personal lives. Yet, it's crucial to recognize that no one reaches the mountain's summit without pausing to appreciate the breathtaking views along the way. At home, this could mean celebrating minor triumphs of our children, like a personal best in a race or regatta. At work, it means acknowledging and applauding team achievements at significant milestones rather than only celebrating large quarterly or annual targets.
- Don't Go Solo
Ask for assistance. Be vulnerable. As Rekha puts it, she does this all the time at home. At work, being vulnerable can be more challenging, but it's equally important. If things aren't heading in the right direction, communicate early and seek help. Emphasizing the value of "one team" is more than just a marketing motto; it's an action that requires openness and teamwork. If an obstacle is preventing progress, don't battle alone. Speak up.
- Extend Grace to Yourself
As women with high expectations, we are often our most critical judges. While it's essential to contemplate what could have been improved or why an action wasn't taken, don't allow yourself to be stuck in that cycle. When things feel chaotic, inhale deeply. Reflect on your progress. Progress always trumps perfection.
In an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative, and advertising agencies, known as Our Website Communications Council, you might wonder if you qualify.
In this esteemed community, Rekha Thomas, the CEO of Path Forward Marketing, could provide valuable insights and strategies, sharing her experiences as a marketing executive and a advocate for work-life balance.
Fellow members in the Our Website Communications Council could also benefit from Rekha's tips on maintaining personal and professional harmony, as they strive to balance their own professional and personal lives.
