The pursuit of success often leads to overcommitment, stress, and burnout. However, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being and productivity. Benjamin Durham, owner of Benjamin Durham Law Firm, struggled to find and accept this concept, but he is thankful that he did.
For more than 20 years, Benjamin has been practicing criminal defense and attests to the challenges of disconnecting from work and clients' problems. “Yes, criminal law can be very stressful when the stakes are high,” he explained. “It can be difficult to shut off that part of your brain that analyzes and strategizes, but trying to shut off the emotional aspect can be even more taxing.”
Shutting down on a Friday afternoon does not happen so easily for Benjamin. Crime does not stop simply because the clock struck five. A 24/7 town opens the doors for trouble to occur at any time of the day or night, leaving him with an even smaller opportunity for balance. It is a process that he has been working on for years. “It has not been easy, and I continue reminding myself that I need a healthy balance in my life,” said Benjamin.
He started with one step in the process for balance: taking a vacation, and it left him with an eye-opening experience. “I remember the first vacation that I took after a few years of running my law firm. I was gone for a week without cell phone service, and I was stressed about it. Turns out that we had a successful week, and I started to realize that it was possible to take more personal time and that my business would survive,” he shared.
Within the last few years, Benjamin continued to seek balance, even though it was challenging. Friends introduced him to mountain biking and his love of outdoor recreation grew. “Anything outdoors helps to re-energize me and clear my head,” he shared.
Being outdoors is a form of therapy for Benjamin, carving out the time he needs in his schedule, “I mountain bike every Sunday morning and oftentimes on Thursdays. I get to exercise, connect with friends, and connect with nature,” he said.
The last few years have shown Benjamin that it is acceptable to focus on self-care and that it does not have to be a choice, it can be a balance. “My activities and hobbies are not more important than my career, but I incorporate them into my daily life in the sense that I need them to keep me balanced. That keeps me more focused when I am working.”
Finding the equilibrium is not a one-size-fits-all method but shows that starting with baby steps can lead to giant leaps down the road. “You must make a conscious effort to separate the two. It is not easy,” he explains, “you cannot do it without a great support system.”
Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires mindfulness, self-awareness, and conscious effort. By starting small and implementing a strategy here or there and prioritizing your well-being, you can create a fulfilling and balanced life where both professional success and personal happiness thrive. Balance looks different for everyone, so find what works best for you and make it a priority in your daily life.
"I started to realize that it was possible to take more personal time and that my business would survive."