Signs You Might Be Out of Balance (That Have Nothing to Do with Stretchy Pants)

By Tricia Scott. 

Let's talk about balance. 

I'm not talking about the highlight reel version with the serene morning routine and the perfectly symmetrical acai bowl (why does mine never look like that?). I'm talking real-life, messy-bun, did-I-even-drink-water-today balance. The kind that shows up as eye twitches, brain fog, or an urgent craving to throw your laptop out of a moving vehicle.

I believe in balance. I talk about it a lot. I built it into the heart of The Female CEO. But do I always get it right? Hell no. Often, I don't even realise I'm out of balance until my body is screaming at me, showing up in all kinds of weird ways (you might recognise some of these), like:

- The 47th scroll of social media, even though my to-do list is jumping up and down like an angry toddler

- That full-body tiredness that sleep doesn't fix

- The coffee that hits differently because I'm running on fumes, not focus

- The tight chest and not being able to take in a full breath or a full yawn (my personal nemesis)

Our bodies know even when our minds try to push through, and if we don't pause and listen, they'll only get louder. 

So I'm doing something different this July: I'm walking my talk and attending an event called Business with Balance at the magical Nanpantan Hall, hosted by the brilliant Dino, one of our Female CEO columnists.

This is one of those rare spaces where magic happens. Not just because of the venue (though it's gorgeous), the private chef, or the powerhouse speakers, but because it's real. It's full of people who get it. Who've been in the trenches and want more without sacrificing their health, joy, or sanity to get it.

I've planned to go every year and never committed (too busy 🙄), but this year, this time, I'm walking my talk. I need to refill my cup (not just the coffee kind). I need space to think, breathe, reconnect, and remember that I'm a human and a business owner, not just a never-ending to-do list and I recognise that, as much as I try to do the work every day, balance doesn't happen on its own. You have to choose it. 

So here's a gentle reminder from me to you: check in with yourself. Tune in. If something feels off, don't ignore it. 

You're allowed to build a brilliant business and rest. You're allowed to be wildly, unapologetically ambitious and take a break, and you certainly don't have to earn your joy.

Balance isn't a permanent stop; like anything, it's a practice, a constant work in progress, a menu of moveable practices and places for the days when we have time... and especially when we don't.

And if you're craving a bit of that balance, too, maybe it's time to do something just for you. A walk, a good old fiction book (Marian Keyes is a personal favourite) whatever lights your spark. Do that.

I believe in you (always).

👉🏼If you want to receive a Biz Love Letter directly to your inbox every week, I email our Hello CEO mailing list every Monday. To join, head to The Homepage and sign up!

 Tricia Scott is a passionate startup business mentor and the Founder and Editor of The Female CEO - Create Evolve Overcome, a platform and digital magazine holding the space to showcase female entrepreneurs from all over the world. 

The Female CEO is gaining global recognition daily and Tricia is able to bring her own level of expertise as a start-up mentor and multi-company director to her very exclusive table along with her team of brilliant Guest Editors and Contributors. You'll usually find her with her MacBook in one hand and a coffee or a glass of something fizzy in the other. Reach out anytime!