When you’re juggling a career in accounting and the demands of motherhood, “work-life balance” can feel like a cruel joke. We’re told to keep everything in perfect alignment, but the truth is, life doesn’t work that way. And trying to force it to only leaves us feeling behind, guilty, or like we’re not doing enough.
That’s why we’re bringing back one of the most powerful podcast episodes. This heartfelt, eye-opening conversation between founder Mayumi Young and brand ambassador Nicole Kale offers a much-needed shift: moving from balance to harmony.
Let’s break down what that really means, and why it might just change everything.
Why “Balance” Sets Us Up to Fail
Mayumi starts by unpacking the word “balance.” For most of us, it conjures up a scale, with two sides that must be perfectly equal at all times. But real life, especially for working moms, doesn’t operate on a neat schedule. There are early morning deadlines, sick kids, sleepless nights, and seasons of survival.
Trying to balance it all often means constantly feeling like you’re falling short.
Mayumi calls this a setup. Instead of aiming for equality in all areas of life, she suggests looking at the rhythm of your life like ocean waves. Some days are calm. Others knock you over. Harmony means learning to ride the waves, not control them.
The Power of Daily Intention
Harmony starts with intention. For Mayumi, that means beginning the day with practices that anchor her, like prayer, gratitude, and meditation. She calls these “the hinge in the door” – small, consistent rituals that open the rest of the day to flow.
Rather than trying to do all the things perfectly, she recommends identifying 1 or 2 daily practices that help you feel grounded, centered, and in control. From that place, you can move through your day with clarity instead of chaos.
She also shares a helpful question:
What does success look like for me today?
Not in a year. Not by someone else’s definition. Just today.
Redefining Success on Your Terms
One of the most powerful moments in the episode is the reminder that many women in accounting are chasing a version of success that isn’t actually theirs. Whether it’s becoming partner, hitting six figures, or climbing a corporate ladder, we often pursue goals without asking: Do I even want this?
Mayumi offers a shift. Define success not by what you have, but by who you are. Choose who you want to be (peaceful, grateful, confident) and let your actions flow from that place. You’ll still get results, but you won’t be defined by them.
The real win? You get to feel successful today, not just “someday.”
This Is What Harmony Looks Like
Work-life harmony isn’t about fitting everything into perfect boxes. It’s about dancing with the rhythms of life, letting go of guilt, and giving yourself permission to evolve. It’s knowing that some days will be messy and others will feel like magic, and that both are part of the journey.
Most importantly, harmony isn’t something you have to do alone. As Mayumi shares in the episode, being in community with like-minded women makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to stop striving for balance and start building a life that actually works for you, join our community of supportive, ambitious CPA moms at: https://cpamoms.com/start