8 Comments
User's avatar
Josh at Business Leader Daily's avatar

It is always a challenge but agree it is about being intentional with your time and making sure to focus on what matters. Lots of good reads on the topic of balancing but one of my favorites is by Harry Kraemer, Your 168: Finding Purpose and Satisfaction in a Values-Based Life.

Expand full comment
Josh Gratsch's avatar

Agreed. Part of it is acceptance that life is challenging and the choice of how we perceive that truth.

Thanks for the reading suggestion!

Expand full comment
Rob's avatar

I like the idea of "more often than not". It's self compassion, but with accountability. You're holding yourself to what you've deemed important, but giving yourself some grace when you slip up, because well... life happens.

Expand full comment
Josh Gratsch's avatar

Exactly! So well said! I appreciate your added perspective.

Expand full comment
Adan Arriaga's avatar

This resonates deeply with me! The shift from "balance" to "clarity" is exactly what I needed to hear. Too often we chase unrealistic standards instead of defining our own non-negotiables.

Love how you distinguish between optimization and hours worked. Your practical examples make this actionable, not just theoretical.

Thank you for this perspective!

Expand full comment
Josh Gratsch's avatar

I appreciate the feedback, and I am so glad it is a valuable perspective for you!

Expand full comment
Dr. Jim Salvucci's avatar

I really like your take on this topic. We really have distorted notions of what constitutes “balance,” so “clarity,” as you say, is key.

It’s interesting that you mention how for some people working more actually fits with their values. You’re right that these people are not “workaholics.” The idea of looking into yourself to determine these things is absolutely correct and a strong theme in your writing.

Expand full comment
Josh Gratsch's avatar

It's critically important to realize that we all have very different values and life views. Our society could improve greatly if we chose curiosity over judgment and gratitude over guilt or shame. If someone works their tail off and they're happy and healthy, who cares? Doesn't mean we have to do the same or feel guilty that we don't take that same approach. That's where looking inward instead of outward is key.

Expand full comment