As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind. The demands of running a business can feel never-ending, and it’s tempting to pour all your time and energy into work. But here’s the reality: if you’re not intentional about recharging, burnout is inevitable. On the flip side, if you spend too much time away from your business, leads dry up, and momentum stalls. The key isn’t to strive for perfect balance—it’s to seek counterbalance.
What Is Counterbalance?
The concept of counterbalance, introduced in The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, challenges the idea of maintaining perfect equilibrium between work and personal life. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of intentional focus, allowing the pendulum to swing back and forth between different priorities as needed.
Rather than aiming to keep everything balanced at all times, counterbalance means leaning into the areas that need your attention most at any given moment. Sometimes that means being fully committed to a major business goal, while other times, it’s about stepping back and prioritizing personal moments that matter. The key is to avoid staying at either extreme for too long.
Why Perfect Balance Is a Myth
The pursuit of perfect balance can be overwhelming and unrealistic—especially for business owners. Life and business are constantly evolving, and demands fluctuate from day to day. Trying to keep everything perfectly balanced can lead to frustration and guilt, making it harder to feel accomplished in either area.
Instead, counterbalance allows you to move fluidly between your commitments. When you’re deeply focused on work, you give it your best. When life calls, you fully embrace it without guilt. The goal is to be intentional and aware of when it’s time to shift your focus.
A Real-Life Example of Counterbalance
This past weekend, I experienced the power of counterbalance firsthand. After being chest-deep in work for several weeks, I took a step back to immerse myself in family time. My daughter came to town from Mississippi State University, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to spend time with her. We also celebrated my nephew’s engagement to his soon-to-be bride, which was followed by the news of his deployment to Georgia and eventually Germany with the U.S. Army—his first choice. On top of that, we celebrated my son’s birthday, which happens to fall on the same day as his Papa’s birthday.
While it felt good to focus on family and life events, Monday rolled around, and it was time to get back to work. That’s counterbalance—allowing yourself the freedom to be fully present in one area when it’s most important and then swinging back when the time is right.
The Takeaway
As a business owner, it’s not about maintaining perfect balance but about being intentional with your focus. Allow yourself to go all-in on your business when necessary and embrace life when the moment calls for it. Counterbalance is a healthier, more sustainable approach to living and working with purpose.
If you’re struggling to find your rhythm or feel burnt out from trying to maintain perfect balance, consider adopting the counterbalance mindset. By intentionally focusing on one priority at a time, you’ll find that both your business and personal life can thrive without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
Running a business isn’t easy, and neither is balancing life’s demands. The secret is to counterbalance rather than chase perfection. Make space for the important moments, whether they’re personal or professional, and let yourself swing the pendulum as needed. After a refreshing weekend with family, I’m ready to dive back into work—recharged and motivated.
Stay focused, stay intentional, and remember that counterbalance is the key to thriving as a business owner.
