Off Balance

by Kayla Machen - December 5, 2025

This November, our Leadership Lunch & Learn offered an insightful discussion on achieving personal and professional satisfaction, featuring a review of "Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction" by Matthew Kelly. We were honored to have Dr. Steve Siegelin from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture guide us through the concepts in this book and provide practical applications for our daily lives.

Challenging the Myth of Work-Life Balance

Published in 2015, Kelly’s book challenges the traditional notion of “work-life balance,” calling it one of the great corporate myths of our time. Instead of striving for balance, the book encourages readers to live a holistic life that is satisfying, energizing, and purposeful. Kelly emphasizes that satisfaction, not balance, is the key to thriving both personally and professionally.

The book begins with a thought-provoking fable about a fisherman and a banker, illustrating that satisfaction and success can look very different depending on personal choices and priorities. Siegelin highlighted how every lifestyle choice comes with a cost and how true satisfaction involves intentional decision-making and prioritization.

Key Principles for a Satisfying Life

Throughout the book, Kelly identifies three foundational principles:

1. Become the Best Version of Yourself – Strive to grow personally and professionally to reach your full potential.

2. Live a Life of Virtue – Excellence, honesty, and integrity matter in both personal and professional contexts.

3. Practice Self-Control – Success requires the ability to delay gratification and focus on long-term goals.

Siegelin emphasized that these principles are not about perfection but about aligning our actions with what truly brings fulfillment and energy to our lives.

Insights from Research

Kelly conducted interviews with “work-life balance champions” to understand what contributes to satisfaction. He found that these individuals often worked longer hours than peers, but their work was purposeful, satisfying, and energizing. They maintained fulfilling relationships, pursued meaningful projects, and embraced challenges as opportunities for growth. Satisfaction, not pleasure alone, emerged as the sustainable driver of energy and engagement.

Practical Tools for Application

The book also provides actionable tools to help implement these ideas:

• Assessment: Use a 20-prompt survey to evaluate current satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.

• Prioritization: Organize life into major areas such as career, family, relationships, and leisure, and rank them based on personal importance.

• Habit Replacement: Introduce new habits over several weeks to replace those that do not support your priorities.

• Weekly Strategy Session: Plan your week intentionally, setting goals and focusing on meaningful actions.

• Quarterly Review: Check in on progress with accountability from peers, supervisors, or family to maintain momentum.

Siegelin also discussed the concept of energy levels, explaining how high positive energy leads to enthusiasm, confidence, and productivity, while low or negative energy contributes to burnout and dissatisfaction. Kelly’s approach integrates these concepts into a system that combines behavior, accountability, and intentional effort to create a life of satisfaction.

Key Takeaways

• Satisfaction, not balance, is the true driver of personal and professional success.

• Holistic growth involves aligning work, relationships, and personal life with purpose.

• Meaningful challenges and long-term goals contribute to sustainable energy and fulfillment.

• Intentional planning, prioritization, and accountability are essential tools for living a satisfying life.

Siegelin concluded that "Off Balance" is a highly approachable and practical resource, providing insights that are relevant not just for professional success, but for living a more energized and satisfying life overall. His presentation reminded us that managing our whole lives with the same care we manage our work can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional excellence.

About the reviewer

Steve Siegelin is the professional development specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. He has also served as a county agriculture and natural resources agent, county staff chair, district director, professional development director, and evaluation director in other states. He has worked in vegetable research, agriculture, 4-H, and community development in extension. He has supported and worked across many aspects of land grant universities.