Feel like you’re always chasing balance but never quite catching it? Here’s the truth: balance isn’t some perfect, static state—it’s a messy, ever-changing process, and anyone telling you otherwise is selling a pipe dream.
In this episode, we’re blowing up the myth of “having it all together” and diving into why balance isn’t a destination but a moving target that shifts with your priorities, energy, and seasons of life.
We’ll explore:
- Why imbalance isn’t a problem but a sign you’re growing.
- The science of neuroplasticity and how your brain adapts to challenges.
- How stress (when managed right) can actually fuel your growth.
- Practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing your energy, and building a sustainable system for balance.
Whether you’re leading a team, juggling all the things, or just trying to survive the day, this episode gives you a fresh, snarky perspective on redefining balance and making it work for real life.
Get ready to stop chasing balance and start creating it.
How many times have you told yourself, “I just need to find balance”? Maybe you’ve imagined that magical place where work, relationships, and personal goals align perfectly, like planets in a rare cosmic event.
If you’ve been chasing that illusion, let me save you some time: it doesn’t exist.
Balance isn’t a destination, a perfectly organized to-do list, or a state of perfection.
It’s messy, dynamic, and constantly changing based on your priorities, your season of life, and sometimes, honestly, just how much coffee you’ve had. And that’s not a bad thing.
Why Chasing Balance Keeps You Stuck
The biggest trap about balance is thinking it’s something you “find” or “achieve.” That mindset keeps you locked in guilt and frustration, because the second something feels off, you think you’ve failed.
But let me tell you: imbalance isn’t failure—it’s feedback. It’s your body and mind saying, “Hey, something here needs attention.”
For example:
- Procrastinating? That’s feedback. Maybe you’re overwhelmed or unclear about your next step.
- Exhausted? That’s feedback. Your body is telling you this pace isn’t sustainable.
- Snapping at loved ones? That’s feedback too, signaling you’re over capacity.
Instead of seeing imbalance as a problem, start seeing it as an opportunity to recalibrate.
The Science of Imbalance (and Why It’s Good for You)
Your body and brain aren’t wired for constant balance.
They’re designed to work in cycles—of energy, focus, rest, and growth.
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and grow, thrives on challenges. Tackling a new project, navigating a curveball, or learning a new skill lights up your brain and helps it grow stronger.
But your brain can only handle so much disruption before it flips into survival mode. That’s where imbalance turns into burnout.
The goal isn’t to avoid imbalance altogether—that’s impossible. The trick is to balance periods of challenge with periods of recovery.
Think of it like weightlifting for your brain. A little stress (known as eustress) pushes you to grow. Too much, without recovery, pushes you into distress. That’s where everything starts to feel like too much, and snapping over a missing pen becomes your Tuesday afternoon.
Why Balance is a System, Not a Goal
Think about your life as a system of interconnected gears. There’s work, family, health, personal growth, relationships… and when one gear spins too fast—like work during a busy season—it puts pressure on all the others.
The mistake most people make? Trying to spin all the gears equally fast.
Balance isn’t about making everything perfect at the same time. It’s about flow. It’s about knowing which gear needs your focus right now and which ones can slow down for a bit without breaking.
This is where micro and macro balance come in:
- Micro-balance is about daily adjustments—taking a break, saying no to an extra meeting, or wrapping up work on time.
- Macro-balance is about seasons. Some seasons are for growth and hustle, while others are for rest and recovery. Both are necessary.
How Leaders Can Model Balance
Your relationship with balance doesn’t just affect you—it ripples out to everyone you lead.
If you’re constantly glorifying overwork, staying late, and saying yes to everything, your team or family will think that’s the standard they have to meet. And that’s how burnout spreads like wildfire.
The best leaders aren’t the ones who pretend to have it all together. They’re the ones who can navigate imbalance with calm and flexibility—and who model balance as a strength, not a weakness.
How do you do that?
- Set boundaries publicly. Let people know when you’re logging off and why: “I’m stepping away to recharge so I can come back focused tomorrow.”
- Celebrate rest. Talk about it as part of success, not the opposite of it. For example: “I’m taking the afternoon off to clear my head and reset.”
- Help others prioritize. Don’t just say, “Get it all done.” Ask: “What’s most important? What can wait?”
- Acknowledge boundaries. When someone on your team says no or sets a limit, celebrate it: “That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need more of.”
Practical Tools to Reframe Balance
Ready to stop chasing balance and start creating it? Here are a few tools to get you started:
1. Do an Energy Audit
Write down the tasks or commitments that drain your energy versus the ones that recharge it. Use this to prioritize where to focus and what to cut.
2. Make a Stop-Doing List
Most people focus on to-do lists, but what about the things you should stop doing? Whether it’s saying yes out of obligation or holding onto tasks that no longer serve you, identify one thing to let go of this week.
3. Start Your Day Intentionally
Ask yourself three questions each morning:
- What’s one thing I need to focus on today?
- What can wait?
- What do I need to feel grounded?
4. Plan for Recovery
If you’re in a busy season, schedule your recovery time now. Whether it’s a day off after a big project or a quiet weekend to recharge, recovery isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
The Real Takeaway
Balance isn’t about doing it all, all at once. It’s about tuning in to what matters most, adjusting as you go, and remembering that perfection was never the goal.
Whether you’re leading a team, juggling family and work, or just trying to keep your head above water, give yourself permission to redefine balance as a process—not a prize.
Got thoughts or questions from this week’s episode? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you! 🫶
Subscribe to start making meaningful changes with every episode.
00:00 Introduction to the Balance Badass Podcast
00:46 The Myth of Perfect Balance
01:59 Understanding Balance as a Process
02:50 The Science Behind Imbalance
04:16 Managing Stress and Recovery
05:05 Balance in Leadership
08:13 Practical Tips for Daily Balance
15:29 Mindset Shifts for Long-Term Balance
19:24 Conclusion and Call to Action
I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach specializing in burnout prevention and work-life integration. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re holding it all together with duct tape and coffee. But success doesn’t have to mean running yourself ragged. I help high achievers find work-life balance and shine as badass leaders.
👉 Take my quick quiz to find out where you stand on the burnout spectrum, plus get tailored tips to help you turn things around before it’s too late. Visit: https://tarakermiet.com/free-resources/
😍 If we’re not friends yet on social media, why the heck not? Follow me on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or LinkedIn (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected!
🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email.
Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices!
Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.
