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THE 30/30/30 PRINCIPLE
We talk about balance like it’s something you stumble upon—something that appears when the chaos fades. But balance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s something you create on purpose. And one of the most powerful ways to do that is by dividing your time with intention: a third for yourself, a third for your work, a third for your people. It sounds simple. It’s not. But it’s real.
Most people give the best of their time to work. Not just the hours, but their energy, focus, clarity. They push themselves hard, then come home and hand out the leftovers to their family. And if there’s anything left after that, they might squeeze in something small for themselves—if they’re not too tired. That order slowly burns you out. And by the time you notice, you’ve already forgotten what it feels like to be alive outside of your obligations.
That’s why the idea of investing 30% of your time into yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It means making space to think, breathe, feel, learn, move. It’s when you journal without a reason, read without guilt, go on walks where nothing has to happen. It’s when you eat food that actually nourishes you. When you sleep well, stretch your body, ask yourself how you’re really doing. This isn’t luxury—it’s maintenance. It’s how you show up to your life with something real to give.
Then comes work. The 30% for work isn’t about doing the bare minimum. It’s about doing what matters—better. It means building systems, being intentional with meetings, saying no when you need to, and not confusing busyness with productivity. When work stays within its place, it becomes sharper, cleaner. You stop using it to escape yourself or prove your worth. You work because you choose to. You create value, solve problems, move things forward—and then you stop. You don’t let it eat into your mind at midnight. You don’t sacrifice your peace for more checkboxes. You protect your energy so you can keep creating over the long haul.
And then there’s the part that often gets squeezed in between—your people. Family, friends, the ones who matter. They don’t just need your time, they need your presence. That’s what the 30% means here. Not sitting in the same room scrolling side by side. It means asking better questions. Listening without interrupting. Laughing over slow dinners. Being there when they fail. Celebrating what they don’t know how to name. Being a mirror when they forget who they are. These are the moments that build a real life. The kind you don’t regret later.
If you're thinking, "But how do I actually divide it like that?" — start with awareness. Track your week. Not with perfection, but with honesty. Where is your time really going? Where is your attention? Where is your best energy? Then make one small shift. Wake up thirty minutes earlier for yourself. End work thirty minutes sooner and spend that time cooking with someone you love. Set a boundary, not because you're weak, but because you're clear.
This model doesn’t mean every day will be perfectly split. Some weeks you’ll lean heavier into work. Some seasons, your family will need more. But the point is this: if you're not investing in yourself regularly, you will start borrowing from your future. You’ll pay with your health, your clarity, your spark. And if you neglect your relationships, you’ll find success that feels strangely hollow.
Balance is built one choice at a time. One hour reclaimed. One habit formed. One honest moment of asking: who do I want to be in this life I’m building?
Make room for that person. They’re waiting.
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