By Nuria Chinchilla

We all aspire to live a full, successful and balanced life. However, on many occasions we feel disoriented and confused about what decision to make in an increasingly uncertain and complex environment, we do not know what attitude to take or the certainties we had are blurred. As Alejandro Llano states in his book La vida lograda ( Ariel, 2017), we should not wait for the right attitude to be given to us by our environment: the achievement of life is something that we must actively and freely procure for ourselves.

The beginning of a new year is the ideal time to reflect on our priorities and rethink the way we live. In a world marked by immediacy and multiple demands, integrating the different areas of life is not only a challenge, but a necessity to achieve a successful life. Taking advantage of this time of renewed purpose to work on self-knowledge and self-leadership allows us not only to identify what is truly important, but also to develop the necessary habits to integrate our family, work and personal responsibilities in a harmonious way. This commitment improves our well-being and makes us better professionals, spouses, parents and friends, creating a positive impact on all aspects of our lives, our immediate environment and society.

Three books approach this theme from complementary perspectives, connected by a clear common thread: the aspiration to integrate life in all its dimensions. Each work offers a unique vision, forming an itinerary of reflection and practice that guides the reader in his or her search for a successful and fulfilled life.

Owners of our destiny: How to reconcile professional, family and personal life

Conceptual basis for life integration

This book proposes a profound reflection on the anthropological foundations that support conciliation, establishing the conceptual framework for integrating the different aspects of our existence. It starts from the idea that in order to be masters of our destiny we must begin by knowing ourselves, identifying our priorities and building our life from a solid foundation.

• Reconciling with oneself: Self-knowledge is the first step. Only by understanding our identity and mission can we establish priorities and define the roles we want to play.
• Reconciling with the family: The family is the essential nucleus for developing personal and professional skills. Its diversity of references offers a unique environment for balanced progress.
• Reconciling with the company: The challenge is not only to adjust schedules, but to create a balance where family and work can coexist without conflict. This requires both individual commitment and a work environment that facilitates reconciliation.
• Reconcile with society: We are responsible for positively influencing our environment through our actions as citizens, consumers and agents of social change.

Integrating life: Leading a successful professional and personal journey

Practical strategies for integration

As a practical extension of the previous book, this work focuses on concrete tools for balancing personal and professional life in a high-demand world. It is presented as a practical guide that offers applicable solutions for integrating life in all its dimensions.

• Personal and professional integration: The rigid separation between the two worlds is no longer sustainable. We propose an approach in which both dimensions complement each other.
• Authentic leadership: Connecting personal values with professional decisions generates greater impact and trust.
• Time management: It’s about prioritizing what really matters, not getting more done.
• Resilient mindset: The ability to learn from failures and manage uncertainty is crucial at any stage of life.
• Relationshipis significant: Whether at home or at work, strong relationships are the foundation of a balanced life.
• Defining personal success: Invites readers to question social norms and establish their own definition of success, aligned with their values.

Hand in hand with the best: Keys to synergetic leadership

Benchmarks for a successful life

The third book completes this journey by offering inspiration through real testimonials. It presents 17 women who, from different backgrounds, have been able to integrate the dimensions of their personal and professional lives, guided by a clear inner compass.

• Real stories, not perfect: These women are not examples of perfection, but of perseverance, authenticity and resilience.
• Balance as a goal: They have integrated work, family and personal interests into a harmonious whole.
• Personal and synergistic leadership: Each has been able to lead herself before leading others, demonstrating that the key to success lies in aligning values, decisions and actions.

These three books, although different in approach, share a common goal: to guide the reader towards an integrated life. From conceptual reflection to daily practice and inspiring examples, they form an itinerary that invites us to rethink how we live, prioritize what is truly important and build a full and meaningful existence.

In a world that seems to demand more from us than we can give, these works remind us that balance is not a luxury, but a necessity. Leading ourselves, integrating our responsibilities and aspirations, and learning from those who have already walked this path, opens the door to the successful life we all desire.

References:

Owners of our destiny: How to reconcile professional, family and personal life

Maruja Moragas and Nuria Chinchilla, Ariel, 2018(4th ed.).

Available in:

Spanish: here English: here Available in Kindle

Integrating life. Successfully leading professional and personal careers

Nuria Chinchilla, Pilar García-Lombardía and Esther Jimenez, Ariel 2021

Available in:

Spanish: here English: here Available in Kindle

Hand in hand with the best: Keys to synergetic leadership

Nuria Chinchilla, Pilar García-Lombardía y Esther Jimenez, Eunsa, 2023

Available in: Spanish: here English: here Available in Kindle

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