Work-life balance for nonprofit leaders isn't found in working fewer hours or magically clearing your to-do list. It starts with something simpler: taking control of your mornings before the chaos begins.

Achieving work-life balance can feel like you're stuck in your own version of Groundhog Day. Except instead of reliving the same day, you're playing an endless game of whack-a-mole with your workload.

I used to think work-life balance was something you achieved — a goalpost to hit. But balance isn't a destination. It's a daily practice, and it starts with choosing progress over perfection. 

When most people think about work-life balance, they picture a scale – two sides that need to weigh exactly the same amount. But what if I told you there was an even better way to think about it?

A few months ago, I made a resolution for myself and started implementing it immediately. Looking forward at 2025, I have a lot of things I’m excited for – and I mean REALLY excited. But if I’m going to get there with continued enthusiasm and without dropping the ball, I’ve got to start respecting my boundaries a heck of a lot more.

In February, I celebrated my 50th birthday … and I found myself caught in an emotional tug-of-war – both loving and loathing this significant milestone. But that morning, I made a decision: 50 isn't just a number; it's a mindset. And I'm fully committed to embracing this new chapter with intention and purpose.