Why I Don’t Believe in Work-Life Balance (And What I Choose Instead)

This is not a season of balance.
And that’s okay.

True story:

I do not believe in work-life balance. Never have.

Not because it’s impossible, but because it’s the wrong question.
Balance assumes equal. Even. Constant.

But life? Leadership? Writing a damn book while running a fast-growing business and coaching a full roster of high-performing humans?

It doesn’t operate on symmetry. It operates in seasons.

This year, I entered a full one.

Q1 and Q2 were a full blast sprint.
Finishing my book Chasing Enough. Leading my team as President of The Gathering. Supporting private clients. Traveling. Being present in my marriage.

And despite my best intentions… some things had to go.
Social outings. Friend catch-ups. New relationships.
Even self-care looked different—less slow mornings, more 5 AM wakeups.
Less flow, more grit.

Some nights, I worked past 10 PM.
Not forever. But for this season, it was what was required.
Short-term cost. Long-term impact.

And now? That season is shifting.

The book is in final edits. The cover—designed by my husband, which feels like a full-circle love note—is with the design team.

I’m sleeping in again. Reclaiming my mornings. Logging off at dinner.

And this summer?
I’m saying yes to long patio hangs. Catching up with old friends. Getting my golf swing back (I told my husband last year to get a hobby—he chose golf and now shoots in the 80s, so I’ve got some work to do!).

Here’s the truth:
Balance is a myth.
What we need is integration.
What we need is awareness.
What we need is permission.

To know the season you’re in.
To get clear on what’s a YES—and what’s a not right now.
To hold your boundaries with love and your commitments with intention.

The last season demanded a lot from me—but it was on purpose.

And that purpose will live on through the work I’ve created.

📌 If you missed last month’s letter on this topic—Work-Life Integration Is a Leadership Skill—give it a read too. It unpacks the framework I use to navigate high-output seasons with intention.

So I’ll ask you this:
What season are you in?

Is it one of building?
Healing?
Creating?
Resting?

Have you aligned your calendar, your energy, and your priorities to reflect that?

Let it be what it is.

And give yourself permission to go all in—without guilt.

Your life doesn’t need to look balanced.
It needs to feel true.

ALL LOVE,

❤️ Mandy

✨ Journal Prompts for the Season You're In

(Save this part for your next reset)

📓 Pause. Reflect. Let it be enough.

1. What season am I in right now—build, bloom, maintain, or rest?

2. What are the 3 non-negotiables that matter most to me in this chapter?

3. Where am I expecting balance when what I really need is permission?

4. What am I temporarily letting go of to honor what matters most?

5. How can I support myself better right now—with structure, boundaries, or rest?

6. What long-term result will this season of effort create?

💡 Let your answers shape your calendar, your energy, and your expectations. Integration starts here.

When you’re ready, here’s how I can help:

✅ Book a RESET strategy session to get grounded and move forward
(only 4 coaching sessions available/month)

✅ Tune into The Well Podcast — your next-level leadership starts here

🌊What’s Filling My Well Lately

Podcast:  The Him & Her Show with Simon Sinek: How to Build a Meaningful Life
Loving: Evening golf rounds and late night strolls
Tiny joy from this week: Rooftop patio vibes in London with my BFF en route to Cannes for a work trip
Playlist: This was the [ vibe ] for my recent photoshoot for the book launch
A Gathering: Ladies, [ this ] one day summit by The51 is for you if you want to build wealth…. use the code XXMANDY to save 25% off your ticket, I’ll be there.

P.S. Hit reply and tell me—what season are you in? I’d love to hear.


P.P.S. New here? Welcome 👋 Here’s my favourite place to get started - The Seven Traits of The Well Resourced Leader.

As always, feel free to hit reply and let me know what resonates, I love hearing from you.