From Work Mode to Reset Mode: Creating Balance as a Entrepreneur
Corporate strategy meetings at 9, client design work at 7. Not trying to balance two worlds anymore—I'm blending them. The secret isn't separation, it's finding how they feed each other.
Real talk: this journey hasn't always been pretty. There were times when my calendar looked like absolute chaos, and switching between corporate communications and running Blanc Agency felt like changing personalities. But over time, I've figured out that thriving in both doesn't mean keeping them separate—it means letting them complement each other.
Today I'm sharing how I've learned to shift between work mode and reset mode while honoring both, because let's be honest—the quality of your rest directly impacts your creative output.
The Wake-Up Call: Recognizing When You Need a Reset
We've all been there: staring at a blinking cursor, rewriting the same paragraph five different ways. These aren't failures—they're signals that your mind needs a reset.
For me, the signs are clear:
When I catch myself opening Instagram every five minutes instead of finishing that client proposal
When decisions that are usually easy suddenly feel impossible
When my sleep quality tanks despite being exhausted
When the excitement for projects I normally love just... isn't there
The game-changer was realizing that pushing through these states rarely works. Taking intentional breaks actually gets me back to peak creativity faster than forcing it.
Transition Rituals That Actually Work
One of the most powerful changes I've made is creating small but consistent rituals that signal to my brain when it's time to shift gears. Nothing complicated or time-consuming—just intentional moments that create mental boundaries.
Morning Work Mode Activation:
Filling out my priority journal first thing
Reading a book for 30 mins before checking emails
Three priority outcomes written in my planner (not twenty—just three)
A cup of OJ followed by coffee to kickstart the day
Evening Reset Mode Activation:
A quick sunset walk along Biscayne Bay, even if it's just 30 minutes
Making time for the gym no matter how busy the day
A shower ritual that literally washes away the workday
Meal prep as a way to care for tomorrow's self
These small moments create the mental shift that helps me transition without the guilt or lingering work thoughts.
Miami's Secret Reset Spots: Where I Actually Go to Recharge
Living in Miami means I'm surrounded by reset opportunities, and I've found my go-to spots for different kinds of recharging needs.
For Connecting with Other Humans: The terrace at Verde at PAMM is my go-to for lunch with friends who inspire me. The view, the food, and the creative environment make it perfect for conversations that spark new ideas.
For Creative Inspiration: Wandering through the Design District with no agenda. The architecture, window displays, and people-watching refresh mypalette and often translate directly into new approaches for client projects.
My Reset Kit: What's Always in My Bag
Experience has taught me to keep a "reset kit" ready for those moments when I need a quick refresh between commitments:
A meditation playlist that shifts my mood instantly
My iPad for capturing random inspiration and ideas
Topicals lip gloss for a quick refresh
A book I'm currently reading for 5-minute escape moments
This kit has saved countless days from spiraling, giving me mini-reset moments even in the busiest times.
Digital Boundaries That Save My Sanity
Let's be real—managing digital boundaries is probably the hardest part of the work-life blend. After much trial and error (heavy on the error), I've established some non-negotiables:
No email before my first coffee
Phone on airplane mode during meals (yes, even quick lunches)
Social media blocked during designated deep work hours (I use the Opal app, it's a game changer)
Gym 4x a week, non-negotiable
These aren't about restriction—they're about creating the conditions for both quality work and meaningful rest.
The most surprising outcome? Clients and colleagues actually respect these boundaries once I communicate them clearly. They signal professionalism and self-respect, which ultimately means I deliver better work.
Embracing the Messy Middle
Some weeks are heavy on client work; others allow more space for creativity and exploration. What matters isn't perfect equilibrium—it's recognizing what each season requires and adjusting accordingly.
Some weeks, success looks like major client wins and innovative strategies. Other weeks, success is defined by saying no to projects that aren't aligned, or by honoring the need for a weekend completely disconnected from deliverables.
When Worlds Collide in the Best Way
The most liberating realization has been seeing how my corporate role and agency work aren't competing forces—they're complementary energies that enhance each other.
The strategic thinking I develop in corporate communications directly improves how I approach agency client challenges. The creativity I nurture during reset time generates solutions I bring to both worlds. The relationships built during downtime often lead to unexpected professional opportunities.
When I stopped trying to be different versions of myself in different contexts and focused on authentic integration, everything shifted. The pressure to compartmentalize faded, replaced by a more genuine expression of my whole self.
Your Turn: Finding Your Reset Rhythm
As you consider your own work-reset rhythm, think about:
What are your personal warning signs that a reset is needed?
What small rituals could help you transition between modes?
Which environments help you truly recharge?
What boundaries would make the biggest difference in your day?
Remember, there's no perfect formula—the best approach is the one you'll actually stick with consistently.
I'd love to hear how you navigate the space between work mode and reset mode. What works for you? What challenges are you facing? Drop a comment below—your insight might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
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