The words we commonly hear are “Work Life Balance.” Who named it that, I think that they have it backwards.
- Robert Owen (1817): The Welsh industrialist and activist advocated for a balanced workday of “eight hours labor, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest”.
- Work/Life Programs (1930s): The W.K. Kellogg Company experimented with shorter shifts, leading to increased employee morale and efficiency.
- Emergence of the Phrase: 1970s: The term “work–life balance” first began to be used in the United Kingdom.
I think that the saying is backwards, shouldn’t it be Life, Work Balance? (LWB). Life comes 1st, right?
Spoiler alert, a few years ago when I had this epiphany, I tried to grab some “LWB” domain names, no luck.
I’ll jump to the punchline 1st , then fill in the backstory.
LEVERAGE THE POWER OF YOUR CALENDAR. TURN YOUR WHAT’S INTO WHEN’S.
With summer ending, the timing is ideal to begin calendaring your 2026. Not suggesting booking planes, trains, automobiles, or lodging…………. just getting dates onto your calendar.
What will happen is the next day you (and others around you) will wake up with found things to plan, ponder, and look forward to.
Where to start?
1. Then You and Your Spouse/Significant Other
Block time for your own rest, joy, and growth. Whether it’s a solo trip, a spiritual retreat, or regular time for a hobby, your energy fuels everything else. When I began this process, I started with booking private yoga sessions every Saturday at 1pm. Morning hikes on a local trail 5x per week. Gym membership came later. I had joined the Entrepreneurs Organization; our monthly recurring Forum meetings were added to my calendar next.
2. Then You and Your Spouse/Significant Other
Plan dedicated time together — anniversaries, getaways, quiet nights without distractions. Relationships thrive when they’re scheduled on purpose, not squeezed in. Until I began this calendaring process, my wife and I rarely got away for our Anniversary each March. Since then, we don’t miss this annual event. LWB – Life Work Balance through more effective use of something we all use, our Calendar!
3. Each Child, individually
One-on-one time with kids is priceless. Dream up adventures or simple rituals with each child that they’ll remember for life.
4. Your Family as a Whole
Family vacations, holiday traditions, weekend routines — get them on the calendar early. It sets a tone of unity and togetherness.
5. Loved Ones and Friends
Who do you wish you saw more? Plan those trips, dinners, or reunions. Don’t wait for “someday.”
6. Then Get to Business
Only after life is scheduled do I layer in business: conferences, launches, goals, strategy sessions. Life doesn’t fit around work. Work should fit around life.
Turn Your “What’s” into “When’s”
Dreams remain distant until they become calendared events. Want to golf with your brother? Travel with your father. Take your spouse on a long-overdue trip? Don’t just talk about it — schedule it. Leverage the power of your calendar.
Items on the calendar could simply be:
- Family Vacation” for “X” days
- Birthday trip with _______________
- Golf trip with college buddies.
- Trip with my dad
What I learned is that the fun comes in the planning, dreaming, then executing on your plans.
LWB – Life Work Balance Simplified. Ready to get your calendar out and turn some of your “What’s into When’s?
If you would like to discuss this, let’s connect here on LinkedIn and schedule time to meet.