Are you having a hard time believing you can be good at work and at your home? For years I wondered if it could be done. In fact, I was ready to give up my career because I met with 10 leaders in my field and 8 of them said it could not be done! That either my family or my career would have to take priority. I am so glad I did not listen to them. It can be done, but it is much moire than simply getting better at time management. Here are two key aspects of being good at both family and work.

Let me show you how.

1. Shift from Balance to Alignment

The idea of "work-life balance" can feel like an impossible goal, right? The truth is, balance suggests equal weight on both sides, but life rarely works that way. Business and family have ebbs and flows. Instead of chasing balance, focus on alignment. This means ensuring your work and family life complement each other rather than compete against each other.

Ask yourself, Does my business serve the kind of life I want to build for my family? If your work constantly pulls you away from what matters most, it’s time to rethink how you approach it. Whether it’s choosing work hours that let you be home for dinner or aligning your business goals with family values, the key is to let your roles in business and in family work together—not against each other.

Illustration: Think of it like tuning a car engine. All the parts don’t need to be the same size or perform the exact same function, but they do need to work together to keep the car running smoothly. If one part is overworked or out of sync, the whole system suffers. Alignment in your life is the same way—your work and family don’t need to carry equal weight all the time, but they need to work in harmony to move you forward.

2. Prioritize Connection Over Perfection

As a parent and as a spouse, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to be perfect. In fact, you may think your family expects it from you. But your kids don’t need perfection—they need connection. This means showing up, even if you’re tired, distracted, or don’t have all the answers.

Create intentional moments of connection, no matter how small. Maybe it’s five minutes of one-on-one time with each child, a quick family breakfast, read a portion of a book together, or create an evening routine that you protect like you would a business meeting. Truth is, you can make these moments happen even when you are exhausted, or limited on time. Your kids simply want to see that you are consistent and desire to know them. 

Believe it or not, your wife is the same way. There was a time when Brittni (my wife) would be mad that I was working so hard. My first reaction was to respond by saying, “Good grief! Im doing this for you!” It took me a long time to realize that the time working was not really the issue. Instead, she felt disconnected and wanted some intentional moments to reconnect. When I started making those moments happen, even when it was just a little bit of time, she felt connected and grateful for the hard work that I was doing. These moments, whether with your kids or your wife, build trust, strengthen bonds, and remind your family that they are your priority. 

Your family and your work don’t have to compete for your attention. By aligning your goals and prioritizing connection, you can lead in business while being fully present at home.

You’ve got this, and I’m here to help if you ever need a nudge in the right direction.

Best wishes,
Chuck