No One Has It All Figured Out

Embracing the intricacies of our journey

I have been involved in the corporate world, entrepreneurship, and investing for over a decade. The more people I meet in these fields, the more I realize that we are all winging it. Yeah, you heard me right.

No one, and I mean no one, has it all figured out. We're all navigating this crazy thing called life, trying to juggle our big dreams and the daily grind. But here's the thing: what if the secret to nailing this whole life/career/entrepreneurship game isn't about finding the perfect balance, but about embracing the beautiful mess?

The Myth of Having It All Figured Out

First off, let's debunk this myth that successful folks have it all together. Trust me, behind every polished LinkedIn profile, is a person who's learning, growing, and stumbling just like the rest of us. In short, my partner and I learned to stop placing people on unbelievably high pedestals because we realised that they were ‘mere mortals’ and the closer we get to them, the more human they are, with flaws and all.

Even the big shots face doubts and setbacks – they may not post about it on Instagram or X. But the sooner we accept that we don't have all the answers, the sooner we can open ourselves up to new ideas, seek advice, and collaborate with others.

Shifting from Work-Life Balance to Work-Life Integration

Now, let's talk about this whole work-life balance thing - the idea that we can split our time and energy perfectly between work and play. I personally think it's a recipe for guilt and burnout. It’s almost impossible to sustain a work-life balance, 50:50 or 100:100. Instead, I think a better approach is to practice work-life integration – the understanding that our professional and personal lives are interconnected. It's about finding ways to blend these aspects of our lives in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Maybe that means taking a work call while on a walk with your family, or using your business skills to help out with a passion project. The point is, that by integrating our work and life, we can create a more fulfilling and sustainable experience.

P.S. You should listen to my podcast episode titled 'Building an Integrated Life' with Kanini Matooni, where she elaborates on the topic using her life experiences as examples."

Strategies for Embracing Work-Life Integration

So, how do we actually make this work? Here are some ways to consider:

1. Know your non-negotiables: Figure out what truly matters to you and let that guide your decisions.

2. Keep it real with your work and loved ones: Share your goals, challenges, and boundaries. Communication is key!

3. Be ready to pivot: Life has a way of throwing curveballs, so stay flexible and adaptable. You will have to prioritise per time.

4. Put yourself first: Prioritize self-care to maintain the energy and resilience you need to tackle life's challenges.

At the end of the day, success isn't about having it all figured out – it's about embracing the journey of personal and professional growth. By shifting our focus from work-life balance to work-life integration, we can create a more fulfilling and sustainable life experience. As we navigate this ‘wild’ world, remember that we're all in this together, learning and growing with each step we take. So, let's ditch the myth of having it all figured out and embrace this beautiful and messy journey!