Have you had your fill yet? Here’s one last, promised serving from our slightly cerebral yet satisfying spring theme of “fulfillment.” Here, highlights from one of our other excellent panelists, Cali Williams Yost, career expert and author of “Work+Life Fit”…


Opt for the positive definition of “overfulfillment”

Being “over-fulfilled” indeed can be positive if used as a point of self-reflection, since “fulfillment” is different for each of us, and different over time. If at times your commitments become too much and you find yourself “overfulfilled,” that awareness might cause you to re-evaluate your situation and make adjustments that bring you back to that point of mere “fulfillment.” (Or it may simply help you feel reconciled to all that’s going on).

“Overfulfillment” only becomes negative if there is judgment attached to your choices. Bear in mind, you can only do what is right for you, and assume others are doing the same.


Think in terms of Work+Life “Fit,” NOT Balance

For many executive moms, work is a primary source of fulfillment. Yet for it to be so, it’s important to seek the work+life “fit” that meets your current needs as well as the needs of the business. It’s not about “balance”– because there is no such thing. There is no common work+life utopia– yet using the term “balance” sets us up to feel like we keep missing the mark and causes us to doubt our choices. Rather, the work+life “fit” that supports your unique definition of fulfillment will shift and change countless times. It’s an ongoing, dynamic process. And it involves taking the initiative to reset the boundaries around work as your personal and professional circumstances change.


Redefine “success”

Most executive moms achieved their current level of success because, for years, a particular success model has worked them. But that can change as your realities change. A success model that worked at one point can suddenly turn against you. You become your own worst enemy unless you change that success model so that it matches your new work and/or personal realities. Consciously redefine success so that it always supports your current work+life “fit” realities. If you don’t, you will feel badly about what you are doing and you may even give up. Just as there are countless work+life “fit” choices between the extremes of “all or nothing,” there are countless definitions of success. The aspects of success that cause the most trouble are money, prestige, advancement and caregiving. If necessary for a period of time, give yourself permission to not be on all of the coolest projects at work, to pull over into the slower lane, and to not attend every school event. Define “success” for yourself.


If you spark to these thoughts, read more in Cali’s book:

Or visit her website: worklifefit.com