Balance on Your Terms

It does exist. It doesn’t exist. Well, maybe it does. No one can agree whether the ever-elusive Life/Work balance is a myth or a possibility – and you’ve probably changed your mind on that one a time or two.

“The secret is knowing you don’t have to follow someone else’s path, role or goals,” says Graciela Meibar, chief diversity officer for Mattel. “Women are extreme multi-taskers. But focus on what’s important to you. That doesn’t mean you won’t have a successful career – just a different one from your best friend or mentor.” Meibar says she sometimes overdoes it, but has a full life at work and home – entertaining friends, watching movies with her nieces and nephews and spending time with Mom. “Your work is not your life.”

Worklifebalance.com agrees with Meibar but adds that the core values of balance are achievement and enjoyment – “the front and back of the coin of value in life, [and] you can’t have one without the other.”

How do you build a career and close relationships with your children? Entrepreneur Carolyn Howell, 53, shares her secrets – like encouraging them to have friends and parties at home.

Don’t let guilt get to you as you walk the tightrope. Here’s how to overcome the self-flagellation.

Want more? Check out Connecting My Dots: A Woman’s Leadership Guide for Multidimensional Success.

PINK Profile: In our exclusive interview with Meibar, Mattel’s first chief diversity officer tells why corporate diversity is more important than ever.

“Don’t live someone else’s truth. Find your truch and live it.”Graciela Meibar