Starting something new is exhilarating. Whether it’s launching a business, pursuing a personal passion, or embarking on a significant life change, this fresh beginning often brings a mix of excitement and challenge. 

Here’s the truth that many seasoned entrepreneurs and go-getters don’t always share: achieving big things often means being willing to disrupt the balance in your life, at least for a while. It requires more than just motivation, it demands intense focus and, at times, imbalance.

Sometimes you’ve got to get out of balance to get in balance. It sounds paradoxical, doesn’t it? But there’s wisdom in this concept. In the initial stages of starting something new, you might find yourself pouring so much time and energy into this one area that other aspects of your life take a back seat. 

That’s okay, if it’s intentional, if it’s temporary, and if it’s done with the end goal of creating lasting balance and success.Let’s explore the importance of embracing this temporary imbalance, the risks of staying in it too long, and how to find that sweet spot where you integrate your ambitions with your personal life. 

Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of everything else; it just requires a delicate dance between focus and flexibility. Let’s take a closer look at what that means for your entrepreneurial journey.

The Necessary Imbalance

When you’re on the cusp of something big there’s often a period of imbalance. In these crucial stages, something in your life might temporarily take a back seat. It’s not that you’re neglecting it forever, but in the short term, some things may suffer as you put all your energy into building momentum. 

To really move the needle, especially as an entrepreneur, you can’t always take small, cautious steps. Sometimes, you’ve got to throw your whole self into the effort, passion, power, and focus to move the proverbial rock forward.

This is where imbalance comes into play. You’re intentionally shifting your focus, knowing full well that it’s temporary. You’re not abandoning the other aspects of your life, but you are prioritizing one thing, so you can achieve lift-off. 

It’s all about understanding that once you’ve gained that momentum, you’ll have the opportunity to reintegrate everything else into your life again.

The Risk of Prolonged Imbalance

However, if you stay out of balance too long, there’s a ripple effect. Extended periods of imbalance can strain relationships, your health, and even your personal well-being. You might find your family feeling neglected, your body worn out, or other important areas of your life starting to crumble. 

That’s when imbalance becomes dangerous, and it’s no longer productive. Some entrepreneurs get so consumed by their goals that they forget the other pieces of their life puzzle. They don’t pull back into balance soon enough, and the cost is high. Their business may thrive, but everything else suffers.

The Key to Integration

The secret is finding a way to integrate. Balance doesn’t look the same for everyone. One of my podcast guests shared how he wakes up at 4:30 AM to start his day. This allows him to get a head start on his work and still have time for his family later in the day. 

That’s his way of integrating his ambitions with his personal life. Another guest, Olga, finds her balance by working late at night after her child is asleep, fitting her goals into the quiet moments of her day.

Your version of balance might be different, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you find it. Whatever your method, make sure you get the buy-in from the people in your life. 

When I was chasing my first goal of being number one in the company, I made sure my family knew what I was doing and why. I told them I’d be gone longer, working harder, but it was temporary. Their understanding and support were crucial to my success.

Aligning Values with Action

It’s also essential to align your values with your goals. When setting audacious objectives, don’t lose sight of what’s truly important. For example, you may have a strong work ethic, but you also value your family. If those values are misaligned for too long, something’s got to give, and it’s often the things you value most that suffer.

When I was younger, I struggled with this myself. I had a strong spiritual life rooted in my Christian beliefs, but I also had a career pushing me toward professional achievement and positive thinking. 

At first, I thought these two aspects of my life were in conflict. But over time, I learned that they weren’t separate, they were part of one life. I could integrate them, aligning my work with my spiritual values, and finding peace in both.

Finding Your Rhythm

As you embark on your journey, remember that no two paths are the same. What works for me may not work for you, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is discovering your rhythm and finding that sweet spot between drive and balance, ambition and personal fulfillment. 

Keep communicating with those around you, get their support, and stay aware of your limits. When you can bring your life back into balance, after moments of intentional imbalance, you’ll be stronger for it. And more importantly, you’ll have built something not just professionally, but personally too.

If you want to go further in your process of aligning your values with your personal and professional lives, sign in to my following workshop.

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