The pressure to have it all together often leaves us feeling like we’re failing at everything. But chasing perfection doesn’t create balance—it creates burnout. By focusing on what truly matters and making choices that align with your priorities, you can feel more grounded, present, and in control of your time.
Let’s just get this out of the way—balancing career, family, and personal growth is NOT about doing it all. Seriously, who came up with that idea? Because they clearly weren’t living my life.
Here’s the truth: balance isn’t about perfection or keeping every ball in the air. It’s about getting clear on what actually matters and making choices that support that. Today, I want to share three secrets that have helped me stay sane while raising three kids, running a business, and trying to carve out time to be, you know, a human.
These are practical, imperfect strategies (my "secrets") that work in real life—not in some Pinterest-perfect version of it. So grab your coffee, your notebook, or maybe just a few quiet minutes, and let’s dive in!"
The first step to balance is deciding what matters most to you. It’s easy to feel like everything is important, but the truth is, it’s not. Some things deserve your energy and attention more than others, and it’s okay to let the less important things take a backseat.
If you’re not sure where to start, try this simple exercise:
For example, my husband and I have made a point to prioritize time together each week. Some weeks that looks like a dinner out - alone without the kids; other times, it’s simply a walk after dinner (while the kids clean up. What matters is that we make it a priority.
Your values might look completely different—and that’s okay. The key is figuring out what matters to you and adjusting your focus accordingly. You can’t give 100% to everything, but you can give your best to the things that truly matter.
Remember: Every time you say “yes” to one thing, you’re saying “no” to something else. That’s why it’s so important to make your “yes, count me in!” decisions meaningful ones for you.
In my life, this has meant saying no to being the "class mom". When my kids were younger, I enjoyed the opportunity to go into their class and see what their experience was like - I felt like it helped me understand what their daily school experiences were like. But now - not so much. It feels more like a drain on my energy, than anything that brings me joy.
Instead, I’ve started saying yes to daily exercise—a commitment that fills my cup and gives me the energy I need to tackle the other demands in my life.
Saying no can feel uncomfortable, I get it. But it doesn’t have to be and the more you practice the more comfortable you will be. Here are a few ways to decline gracefully:
By framing “no” as a way to protect your energy for higher-priority commitments, you’re not just turning something down—you’re making space for what really matters.
Saying yes with intention also means being unapologetic about your choices. Whether it’s prioritizing a work project you love or carving out time for yourself, let go of the guilt and own your decisions.
Perfect routines don’t exist—at least not in real life. Instead of trying to copy what works for someone else, create routines that fit your family, your schedule, and your needs.
For me, this means avoiding morning exercise, even though it works for my husband. Instead, I’ve built an afternoon workout into my routine, giving me a much-needed reset before diving back into family time.
Remember: The goal isn’t to control every moment but to build a rhythm that helps you feel more focused and less frazzled.
No routine is perfect, and life will throw curveballs. When that happens, remind yourself that flexibility is key. Give yourself permission to adjust and try again tomorrow.
Balance isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. By focusing on what matters most, saying yes to what fills your cup, and creating routines that work for you, you can find a rhythm that feels sustainable and fulfilling.
What about you? What helps you find balance in your life? Take a moment to jot down one thing you can say no to this week or one routine you’d like to try. And let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
