Do you ever feel like “balance” is just another thing on your to-do list. You know, like flossing or organizing that junk drawer… it sounds good, but somehow it’s just not happening.
Welcome to modern work-life “balance,” where the scales are way off, and we’re all trying to do everything all at once. But what if your life wasn’t a see-saw trying to stay level but more of a portfolio of roles that you manage, like an investment?
That’s the mindset TIAA’s CEO brings to her life—managing a “work-life portfolio” instead of chasing a mythical balance. She doesn’t try to give 50% to work and 50% to life every single day because, shocker, that’s not how life actually works.
She embraces her different roles as investments that need time and attention in varying degrees.
It’s a fresh perspective for those of us who have spent years trying to keep all the plates spinning, just hoping they don’t shatter.
This portfolio approach may sound like corporate speak, but it’s actually freeing. Instead of feeling like we’re failing at “balance,” it gives us room to focus on what matters in the moment without the guilt.
So, we’re breaking down how this strategy looks in real life, how it can actually give you a leg up in managing your own chaos, and the small shifts that’ll make a big difference in your work, family, and sanity.
Why Work-Life “Balance” Isn’t Working for You
I remember a time when I thought I was “balanced.”
I’d set the alarms, scheduled breaks, even blocked out time for “me-time” (because apparently, that’s what balanced people do). But instead of feeling accomplished, I felt like I was trapped, constantly scrambling to keep every area of my life in check.
Then came the day I realized balance wasn’t just hard to reach—it was making things worse.
Balance assumes that everything fits neatly into place if we just try hard enough, like a set of scales that stays perfectly level.
But reality doesn’t work that way, especially when work and life demands are pulling us in completely opposite directions, like a game of tug-of-war where we’re the rope.
The truth? This idea of balance leaves us feeling guilty when we fall short and exhausted from the endless act of trying.
You know that voice inside that says, “If only I had it more together, I’d be able to do this”? It’s based on a lie.
Turns out, balance might be the wrong goal altogether.
Think of Your Life Like a Portfolio—Here’s How
If balance is just a myth that leaves us feeling like a hot mess, then what’s the alternative? This is where the idea of a “work-life portfolio” comes in.
Instead of trying to keep every area of your life perfectly level, think of your commitments (work, family, health, friendships) as different investments. Some days, one might need a little more attention; other days, you’ll shift your focus.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about allocating your time and energy where it matters most, just like a portfolio.
CEO Secrets to Managing Life & Work: TIAA’s Tips
This approach is actually how TIAA’s CEO manages her life. She doesn’t expect every role to receive equal attention daily because she knows that’s unrealistic (and a fast track to burnout). Instead, she treats each role like an investment, one that requires her energy in varying amounts depending on the day, week, or even season of life.
Let’s say you’ve got a big work project with a tight deadline. Your work “investment” might take up more time and energy this week.
The “balance” myth would have you feeling guilty for not giving equal time to everything else, but with the portfolio mindset, you can focus on that project without the added guilt of “neglecting” other areas.
Then, when things ease up, you can redirect some of that energy back to family or personal goals.
The goal isn’t to make every piece of your life perfectly equal; it’s to be flexible, adjusting your focus as life demands.
Create Your Own Work-Life Portfolio in 3 Simple Steps
Think of your time and energy as your most valuable assets, because they are. You wouldn’t pour your entire savings into a bunch of low-return stocks, right? The same goes for your energy.
Identify where your time will have the most impact, whether it’s at work, with family, or even carving out a moment to just breathe. Focusing on one high-impact area means you’re not wasting precious energy trying to keep everything balanced.
Here’s how to start building your own portfolio, no spreadsheets required. 😉
Identify Your Core Investments
Start by listing the main areas of your life that hold the most value. These might be work, family, health, friendships, personal growth—whatever is important to you.
These are your core investments, the roles you’ll focus on nurturing over time.
Just as a financial portfolio has different assets, your life portfolio has different priorities, each with its unique needs and potential returns.
Set Your Focus for Each Week (or Month)
Instead of trying to give equal energy to everything all the time, decide which investments need the most attention right now.
Maybe this week it’s work, while next week, it’s family.
By setting a primary focus for a short period, you give yourself the freedom to go all in without the guilt of “neglecting” other areas. This approach lets you shift priorities based on what’s realistic and meaningful in the moment.
Make Time for Regular Portfolio Reviews
Just as you’d review a financial portfolio, check in on your work-life portfolio regularly.
Once a week or month, ask yourself: What’s working? What needs more attention? Where can I pull back?
This small habit keeps you mindful of where your energy is going and helps you make intentional adjustments as life changes.
By creating your own work-life portfolio, you’re letting go of the guilt-fueled chase for balance and instead investing your energy where it makes the biggest impact.
Over time, this portfolio mindset will help you navigate life’s demands without feeling like you’re stretched too thin.
Shift to a Portfolio Mindset and Take Control
Life doesn’t need to feel like a constant balancing act.
By shifting to a work-life portfolio mindset, you’re choosing where to invest your time and energy, giving each role in your life the space it deserves—without the guilt of trying to “do it all” at once.
Are you ready to make this shift for yourself but don’t know where to start? I’m here to help.
Book a free initial coaching session with me, and let’s start designing a work-life portfolio that aligns with your goals. Together, we’ll focus on the areas that matter most to you and create a plan to invest your energy wisely—without the burnout.
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