It’s Not About Equal Time. It’s About Real Life
by Keynote Speaker and Human Relationship Expert Connie Podesta
Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate:
Balance is not about time.
It’s about energy. Priorities. Values. Clarity.
And most importantly—it’s about you.
In a world where we wear ten different hats before breakfast—leader, parent, partner, caregiver, friend, volunteer, professional—this idea that we’re supposed to divide up our hours like perfectly measured pie slices? That’s a recipe for burnout.
Clients often ask me to speak about balance—especially now, as we all navigate shifting priorities, endless distractions, and the growing pressure to “do it all.” And here’s what I tell them:
Balance is not about having equal time for everything.
It’s about giving the right energy to the right things at the right time—without losing yourself in the process.
The Myth of the 50/50 Life
Trying to perfectly split your time between home and career isn’t just unrealistic—it’s damaging. Because when that scale inevitably tips (and it will), what kicks in? Guilt. Shame. Self-comparison.
Sound familiar?
Let’s stop pretending that we have two separate lives—one personal and one professional. You don’t. You have ONE life. One YOU. And that one YOU shows up everywhere—with your clients, your coworkers, your family, and your friends.
That’s why compartmentalizing doesn’t really work.
And it’s why pursuing “balance” the way it’s often sold to us—like some mythical state of zen-like equilibrium—keeps us chasing something that doesn’t exist.
So, What Does Balance Look Like?
It looks like giving yourself permission to pivot.
To adapt, rather than apologize.
To pour into what matters most right now, knowing that other parts will get your focus next.
It looks like ditching the “I’m behind” narrative and asking instead:
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Where do I feel most drained—and how can I refill?
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Where am I trying to meet someone else’s expectations instead of honoring my own?
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What’s one thing I can say no to this week that protects my yes for what really matters?
Teach the People Around You How to Treat You
This is one of the most powerful lessons I share in my keynotes. Want to find real balance? Start by redefining what you’re willing to tolerate.
Don’t just protect your time—protect your worth.
Don’t just set boundaries—teach others to respect them.
Balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment. And alignment comes from self-respect, self-awareness, and the courage to let go of what no longer serves you.
A Challenge for the Season Ahead
As you head into this next season—whether that’s summer, a new quarter, or simply a Monday—give yourself the freedom to do three things:
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Choose progress over perfection.
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Prioritize presence over pressure.
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Honor what’s real over what looks good on paper.
That’s not just balance. That’s power.
That’s leadership.
That’s life—on your terms.
Ready to Bring This Message to Your Team?
If ever there was a time for leaders and their teams to redefine balance, it’s now.
Burnout is real. Expectations are sky-high. And the old “work-life balance” playbook? It doesn’t work anymore.
If you’re planning your next event—whether it’s a leadership retreat, team summit, association conference, or company gathering—let’s make sure this conversation is front and center. The truth is, when people feel stretched thin, disconnected, or like they’re losing themselves in the daily grind, productivity dips, engagement tanks, and morale suffers.
Let’s change that—together.
Call me. Let’s talk about how we can equip your team with the clarity, strategies, and no-nonsense perspective they need to thrive in both work and life.
Because balance isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership essential.
📞 Reach out today and let’s design a keynote or breakout that gets your people thinking, laughing, and walking away with tools they’ll actually use.
