The mountain, the diary and the myth of balance

It’s Friday. Technically a workday. But instead of wrangling client finances or interpreting management reports, I climbed a mountain.

We’ve got family visiting, the Sunshine Coast is showing off, and I decided to lean into the privilege of flexibility, the very thing that inspired me to start my own business. And yet, as I stood at the summit, catching my breath and soaking in the view, I couldn’t help but reflect on how rare these moments can feel when you’re building something from scratch.

Because let’s be honest: flexibility often feels like a myth when you’re knee-deep in the early days of business. You’re wearing all the hats, chasing all the leads, and trying to prove to yourself, and the world, that this thing you’ve built is going to fly.

I see it everywhere.

In conversations with my son, who runs a successful café but often feels like he’s running on fumes.

In the stories shared by fellow bookkeepers at the Australian Bookkeepers Network Roadshow this week, many of them burnt out, overwhelmed, and wondering how to keep going.

In the founders I meet through the Mentoring 4 Growth program, who are passionate, talented, and utterly exhausted.

The common thread? A struggle to find balance.

So, here’s a gentle reminder (and yes, I’m talking to myself too):

Balance doesn’t just happen. You have to block it in.

Here are a few practical ways to reclaim your breath and your boundaries:

• Schedule your downtime like you would a client meeting. If it’s not in the diary, it doesn’t exist.
• Find your breath. Whether it’s a walk, a meditation app, or just stepping outside for five minutes—pause and reset.
• Define your non-negotiables. What do you need each week to feel human? Sleep, movement, connection? Protect those fiercely.
• Outsource or automate where you can. Your time is precious—spend it where it matters most.
• Celebrate the small wins. Like climbing a mountain on a Friday. That counts.

Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. And while hustle has its place, so does rest. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or tangled in the myth of “doing it all”—know that you’re not alone. And know that you’re allowed to pause.

Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is climb a mountain.

Chill out and hit the beach!