There’s an interesting dichotomy I’ve been reflecting on.

Most of the meaningful and most memorable things I do in my life don’t happen in the office. They happen when I’m with my family or friends, or when I’m able to take on things that are meaningful to me.

But at the same time, I acknowledge that a significant portion of my time and effort is spent on my work. And if I’m going to spend a third of my waking hours on something, then it would probably be best if I enjoy that time.

Work is also one of the best forums to force myself to grow as an individual. I’m consistently put in situations that require me to learn new things that contribute to helping me become a more well-rounded individual.

But these two activities seem to be in direct opposition much of the time.

Spending more time and effort on work generally helps me do more, learn new skills, and feel more fulfilled. But that time and effort takes away from my life outside of work.

It isn’t quite that simple, but this generally holds true.

So how do I define the ideal life? Where’s the balance between work and the rest of life (if there is one)?

Simply put, I don’t think there’s a clear answer. But I’ve begun to pave a path that seems reasonable.

Here are a few thoughts based on how things stand today. I’m sure this list will grow and adjust over time.

• Some people merge their work life and personal life. It seems to work for them, but it isn’t appealing to me.
• Regardless what I’m doing at a given time, longing to be doing something else seems to do more harm than good.
• Also, trying to balance work and personal activities at the same time doesn’t seem to work well.
• Defining an ideal lifestyle can be useful as long as I don’t live in envy each day that I’m not living that ideal.
• Clear priorities seem to be a must.
• But priorities don’t mean that I choose a certain activity every second, or even every day. It just means that, on the whole, I know what is most important to me, and I spend my attention accordingly.
• There are certain things I can do, so as learning to be more effective in my work and paving a career to match my lifestyle, that can simultaneously improve my work and the rest of my life. I need to spend more effort on these types of activities.
• Regardless how many questions I still have, and how much uncertainty remains, it’s important to find joy and fulfillment in the present.

I’d love to hear if anyone has specific mindsets or strategies that they’ve found to be particularly useful in their own lives. Feel free to share in the comments or shoot me an email.

-Brandon