“I’ll get to it later.”
If you’re like many of us trying to do all the things, those five words probably roll off your tongue more often than you’d like to admit. You’ve got a full-time job that demands your time, a freelance gig that feeds your passion (and your wallet), a family that needs your attention, and—somewhere in there—you’re supposed to make time for yourself?
What even is that?
If that feels like your life right now, you’re not alone. Many of us are navigating this tightrope walk of professional hustle, personal commitments, and elusive self-care. But here’s the thing: balance isn’t found. It’s built. And it’s high time we start building intentionally.
So let’s talk about it.
What Does Balance Actually Look Like?
Balance isn’t about splitting your time into perfect 33.3% chunks between work, family, and self. It’s more about intentional presence. You may not spend equal hours in every bucket, but how you show up in each area makes all the difference.
If you’re at your 9-5 but worrying about your side hustle, are you really present? If you’re with your family but mentally reviewing deadlines, is that quality time? And when you finally get a moment to yourself, are you filling it with guilt instead of rest?
Balance starts with redefining success in each area of your life.
Step One: A Time Audit (Don’t Skip This)
Before you can change anything, you have to know where your time is going. Spend a week tracking your daily routine. From your commute and lunch breaks to mindless scrolling at night. You’ll be surprised how much hidden time exists.
Use a tool like:
- Toggl (for digital time tracking)
- A good old-fashioned notebook
- Your calendar (block time and color-code it)
This isn’t to shame you—it’s to empower you.
Step Two: Define Your Non-Negotiables
There are things in life you have to do (job, parenting duties), things you want to do (side projects, hobbies), and things you need to do (rest, health, connection). Decide what is non-negotiable for you and build your schedule around those.
Examples:
- Sundays are for family. No exceptions.
- Mornings are your personal time. That means no emails until 9 a.m.
- Two evenings a week for freelancing. That’s it.
If it’s not scheduled, it’s not real. Make your priorities visible—on a wall calendar, digital planner, or even sticky notes on your mirror.
Step Three: Learn to Say No (Even to Yourself)
Saying “no” isn’t negative—it’s protective. It protects your energy, your vision, and your peace.
Sometimes that means turning down a freelance gig that pays well but burns you out. Sometimes it means letting laundry sit another day so you can sit still for once.
Train your brain to respond with: “Is this aligned with my values right now?”
If the answer is no? Say no.
Step Four: Automate and Delegate
You don’t have to do everything yourself.
- Automate client invoices, social posts, or newsletters using tools like HoneyBook, Buffer, or Mailchimp.
- Delegate home tasks (Grocery delivery, cleaning help, even shared kid responsibilities with a partner or relative).
- Batch tasks—dedicate one night to freelance writing instead of scattering it across five.
Efficiency creates time. And time gives you freedom.
Step Five: Create Routines That Serve You
Your life doesn’t need more rules—it needs more rhythm. Morning rituals, evening resets, and focused work blocks help reduce decision fatigue.
Examples:
- 20-minute morning walk = mental clarity
- 30-minute deep work block = freelance progress
- 1-hour “no phone” family dinner = connection
- Sunday “reset” routine = plan, prep, unwind
Routines don’t restrict you—they release you from chaos.
Step Six: Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Repeat after me: Rest is not earned. It is essential.
You’re allowed to rest even if your to-do list isn’t done. You’re allowed to binge-watch Netflix guilt-free. You’re allowed to do nothing and still be worthy.
Burnout benefits no one—not your clients, not your family, and certainly not you.
Step Seven: Remember Your Why
Why are you freelancing? Why are you striving for income outside your 9-5? Why are you building this life?
Reconnect to your why when it all feels overwhelming. That’s your anchor when things get busy, tough, or uncertain.
Write it down. Keep it visible. Let it guide your yes’s and no’s.
Finding Flow, Not Perfection
At the end of the day, balance is less about having it all together, and more about knowing what matters most—and making space for it. There will be days that feel chaotic. That’s okay. But every choice to pause, prioritize, and protect your time moves you closer to the life you’re building.
It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things, in the right season, with the right intention.
You got this.