Are you Living to Work or Working to Live?
Let's dive into something that's been bubbling up in my coaching conversations lately – you know that phrase - eat to live or live to eat?
I’m definitely the latter…
No, that’s not what’s been bubbling up but it’s a variation of that:
Are you living to work, or working to live?
Now, before you roll your eyes and think "here we go with another work-life balance lecture" – stick with me!
Because this isn't about perfection or some mythical balance.
It's about CLARITY.
Here's what I'm seeing: too many brilliant people are stuck in the hamster wheel, saying:
"I'll be happy when I get that promotion," or
"Once this project ends, then I'll focus on what matters."
Sound familiar?
But here's the plot twist – there's actually a THIRD option nobody talks about.
What if you could love what you do AND have a life you're excited about outside of work?
What if your career could fuel your dreams instead of stealing them?
I call this "WORKING TO THRIVE"
It's when your career becomes a vehicle for the life you actually want, not a prison sentence you're serving.
So let's get practical. Here are my top 5 tips to shift from surviving to thriving:
I’m not going to say it’s easy because if it were, we’d all be doing it already. But here goes:
Tip 1: Define Your Non-Negotiables
What are the 3-5 things that MUST be present in your life for you to feel fulfilled? Maybe it's creative time, family dinners, or learning something new. Build your career around these, not despite them.
Tip 2: Become a Skill Collector, Not a Task Completer
Every project, every meeting – ask yourself "What capability am I building here?" Focus on growth that makes you more valuable, not just busier.
Tip 3: Set Energy Boundaries, Not Just Time Boundaries
It's not about working fewer hours – it's about protecting your peak energy for what matters most. When are you at your best? Guard that time fiercely.
Tip 4: Create Your "Future Self" Filter
Before saying yes to anything, ask: "Will the person I want to become in 3 years thank me for this decision?" It's a game-changer for priorities.
Tip 5: Design Micro-Adventures
You don't need a two-week vacation to recharge. Build 15-minute pockets of joy into your workday. Call a friend, take a proper lunch break, or learn something completely random.
Here's your challenge: pick ONE of these tips and try it this week.
Just one.
Small shifts create massive momentum.
Remember, being future-fit isn't just about having the right skills – it's about designing a career that serves your whole life, not hijacks it.
Hit reply and let me know – are you team "living to work," "working to live," or ready to try "working to thrive"?
I read every single one and I'm genuinely curious about your story.
Ready to design a career that actually fits your life?
Let's chat about what Fearless looks like for you.
Take care
Tracy
