Finding Balance as a CEO: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why I Keep Trying

Hi everyone,

As I take a moment to reflect on my journey as a CEO, one theme that always stands out is the quest for balance. Finding the right mix between work and life, big-picture thinking, and day-to-day operations can often seem like a tricky goal to hit. It’s like trying to juggle a bunch of balls at once, and sometimes one or two slip through my fingers.

I’ve learned that it’s not just about getting the balance right but also about understanding that it’s a constant effort. Some days, I feel like I’ve got it all under control, while other days, it can feel a bit chaotic.

Today, I want to share what’s worked for me, what hasn’t, and why I think it’s so important to keep aiming for that balance. I believe that by sharing our experiences, we can learn from one another and support each other in this journey.

What Works:

1. Prioritizing My Time: Time management has really changed the game for me. I started using some handy tools to help prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. The Eisenhower Matrix has been a lifesaver for figuring out what needs my attention right away and what can wait a bit. It breaks tasks down into four categories—urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important—so I can zero in on the stuff that really matters. This way, I’m not just scrambling at the last minute for less important things, and it definitely helps cut down on stress. I’ve also made it a habit to regularly check in on my priorities, which lets me shift my focus when new things come up and keeps me on track with my bigger goals. Overall, adopting these time management tricks has totally transformed how I handle my day-to-day tasks and boosted my productivity!

2. Delegating Effectively: I’ve realized that I can’t do everything myself. Trusting my team with responsibilities not only empowers them but also gives me the freedom to focus on the bigger picture and make strategic decisions. Letting go of some of the day-to-day tasks has been key to keeping my workload balanced and making sure I don’t get overwhelmed. It feels great to see my team step up and take ownership, and I love knowing I can rely on them to keep things running smoothly while I concentrate on what really matters.

3. Setting Boundaries: Setting clear boundaries around my work hours has made a huge difference. I find that I’m way more productive when I’m focused during those hours, and it’s nice to actually enjoy my personal time without that nagging guilt about unfinished tasks. It’s all about finding that balance, and keeping work and personal life separate has really helped me recharge and stay motivated!

What Doesn’t Work:

1. Overcommitting: Early in my career, I used to say “yes” to every opportunity that came my way, thinking it would help me build my network and boost my business. But all that really did was leave me feeling burned out and scattered. Now, I’m much more selective about where I put my time and energy. It’s all about quality over quantity, and I’ve learned that focusing on the right opportunities makes a world of difference!

2. Neglecting Self-Care: It’s so easy to let the demands of leadership take over and forget about my own well-being. I’ve come to realize that ignoring my health—both mental and physical—can have serious long-term effects. That’s why I’ve started to treat regular exercise, healthy eating, and taking mental breaks not as luxuries but as must-haves for being an effective leader. Making time for self-care has really improved my focus and energy levels!

3. Avoiding Difficult Conversations: In my quest for harmony, I used to dodge tough conversations, thinking it would keep things running smoothly. But all that did was push important issues aside and create even bigger problems down the line. I’ve learned that being transparent and honest, even when it feels uncomfortable, actually leads to a healthier work environment. It’s much better to tackle things head-on than to let them fester!

Why I Keep Trying:

Finding balance as a CEO is an ongoing journey. Every day brings its own set of challenges and chances to grow. I keep pushing myself because I know that finding this balance not only makes me a better leader but also helps my team and the whole organization thrive. When I’m feeling balanced, I’m more present, engaged, and ultimately a better CEO.

As I work through this journey, I remind myself that it’s all about progress, not perfection. Every little change I make toward balance inspires me to keep going and creates a culture where my team feels empowered to do the same.

I’d love to hear what you think! What strategies have you found helpful in finding balance, and what challenges are you facing? Let’s keep the conversation going!

Until next time,
Angelo