Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth (And What to Do Instead)

Work-life balance. Say those words in a room full of women entrepreneurs, and you’ll hear a mix of groans, sighs, and scoffs. Why? Because “work-life balance” is the carrot we’ve been chasing forever, only to find out it was never real to begin with.

The truth? Balance doesn’t exist—not in the way we’re told. And honestly, striving for it is setting yourself up for burnout, unrealistic expectations, and that gnawing feeling of failure when you can’t do it all. It’s time to rip off the bandaid and call it what it is: a toxic myth.

Instead, I’m offering you something better. Something real, actionable, and sustainable. Ladies, it’s time to ditch balance and prioritize like the badass business leaders I know you are.  

The Problem with the "Balance" Narrative

Here’s the thing about “balance.” It’s never been clearly defined because it’s not meant to be. It’s this vague, shiny ideal that changes from person to person and day to day. What feels “balanced” during a quiet week will crumble faster than a croissant during a product launch, hiring spree, or unexpected life pivot. 

And for us women? The stakes are even higher. We’re founders, partners, parents, caregivers, and master plate-spinners. And we’re supposed to keep all of those roles perfectly balanced? You know what that does to us? Stress. Burnout. Self-doubt. 

The latest Women @ Work 2024 report from Deloitte revealed that most women are reporting higher stress levels than last year, along with increased symptoms of burnout. Is this really such a shocking revelation? “Balance” demands that we be superhuman. But prioritize? That’s something we can do.

Prioritization > (Fake) Balance

Here’s why prioritization works and balance doesn’t. Balance? It whispers that everything is equally important, equally urgent. That’s ridiculous. Prioritization, on the other hand, is about getting painfully honest with yourself. It’s acknowledging that not all tasks, emails, or deadlines deserve the same energy. 

And science agrees. A Harvard Business Review study showed that high-performing entrepreneurs only tackle three mission-critical tasks a day. That’s it. No sprawling to-do lists full of meaningless tasks. Just three things that move the needle forward. 

Prioritization isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters and having zero guilt about the things that need to wait. 

How to Build a Prioritization System That Works

Confidence thrives on clarity. Know what you want, whether that’s nailing a pitch, mastering a skill, or scaling your business. Break those goals down into achievable steps and chip away at them daily.

Step 1: Define Your Non-Negotiables 

At the start of every week, I identify my non-negotiables. These are the things that absolutely need my attention to keep my business running and aligned with my life priorities. For me, that looks like a mix of revenue-generating activities, client work, and, yes, personal boundaries like family time and hitting a yoga class. 

Everything else? Sorted accordingly. You’ll find out pretty quickly which things aren’t urgent, which can wait, and which don’t deserve space on your plate at all. 

Step 2: Accept the Trade-Offs 

You can’t do it all, and that’s not failure; it’s reality. Every “yes” is a “no” to something else. And that’s fine. Say no to the things that don’t matter as much. (No, Karen, I will not “hop on a quick call” for a non-urgent question.) Get comfortable with imperfection and move on. 

Step 3: Weekly Check-Ins Are Your BFF 

Do not underestimate the power of a 30-minute “me” meeting every week. Some call it “CEO time.” I call it sanity-saving. Take this time to review what worked last week, what didn’t, and what truly demands your energy in the week ahead. 

Set yourself 3–5 realistic goals and block out calendar space to prioritize them. The method doesn’t matter (apps like Trello, good old post-it notes on your desk)—what matters is building your prioritization muscle. 

The Freedom of Ditching “Perfection” 

Here’s the kicker that surprises most people when they switch to prioritization instead of chasing balance. It’s wildly liberating. You stop caring about doing all the things, and you start finding joy in doing the right things. 

Momentum happens when you’re focused and intentional. The noisy world of “hustle harder” fades when you trust your system. And guess what? Your business grows. You get energy back. You start leading, not just juggling. 

Real Talk: “Balance” Is a Scam. Prioritization Is the Real Flex. 

Ladies, I know you’re trying to run businesses, raise humans, be present partners, and still find five minutes for yourself. You don’t need balance. You don’t need perfection. You need clarity, focus, and permission to say, “This matters. That doesn’t.” 

Next time you feel pressure to “have it all together,” shut that voice down. Instead, ask, “What’s the most important thing I can do today?” Do that. And trust that it’s enough. 

Want More Help Shaping Your Priorities? 

Need extra clarity or guidance on crafting your own prioritization plan? Schedule a consultation today. Together, we’ll build a system that works for you and sets you up for success that lasts. 

Remember this: You can do anything, but you don’t need to do everything. You're a leader, not a juggler.

It’s Time to Do the Work 

Confidence isn’t handed out at award shows. It doesn’t come from likes, applause, or followers. It comes from the blood, sweat, and tears you pour into mastering your craft and pushing past your limits, all while no one else is paying attention. 

Trust me, the work is worth it. Because when you finally step out into the spotlight, it won’t be about proving yourself to anyone else. You’ll already know you’re capable. You’ll already know you’ve earned your place. 

Ladies, if you take anything away from this, let it be this: confidence is built brick by brick, in the shadows, when no one’s looking. 

Now, go get to work. Your future self is counting on you.