The Fantasy of Scheduling "Work-Life Balance"

The ABA Journal recently picked up a Texas Lawyer article by coach and psychologist James Dolan on the fantasy of achieving a perfect "work-life balance." While Dolan's article is thoughtful and hints that finding this balance requires some introspection into the meaning and purpose of one's life, the ABA Journal's distillation is flat and trite. The article reduces his advice to "work toward a schedule that allows personal and family time, knowing that sacrifices have to be made on one side or the other."

If I could make one accomplishment in my life, it would be to remove the phrase "work-life balance" from existence. I believe viewing life this way encourages disintegration by implying different aspects of Self have separate value that can be balanced to achieve perfection, or at least equilibrium. Having a fulfilling, deeply meaningful and purposeful life requires more than a good schedule. The first step is to find one's Higher Purpose; the thread that draws us toward happiness.

For many lawyers, the idea of being a lawyer began as part of their Higher Purpose, but for a multitude of reasons became co-opted by outside forces. Dolan refers to this in his article as being passive in life. He advises lawyers to let go of perfectionist ideas of balance and to be fully present in each activity, "giv[ing] it your all." Good advice, indeed.

Dolan's article in Texas Lawyer: http://www.law.com/jsp/law/careercenter/lawArticleCareerCenter.jsp?id=12...
ABA Journal article: http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/its_time_to_give_up_fantasy_of_pe...