"Be unbalanced"— Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec shares that work-life balance isn't a key to success

According to Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec, work-life balance is considered the bedrock of career success and personal happiness. In a post on his Instagram account on December 26, 2024, he stated:

“If you want to achieve something extraordinary, you have to give yourself permission to be unbalanced—at least for a while.”

The Shark Tank investor underscored his belief that achieving success requires singular focus and dedication rather than striving for balance.

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Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec’s perspective on work-life balance and success

Robert Herjavec’s perspective on success

In his post, Herjavec pointed out that one of the biggest misconceptions people have about success is the idea of work-life balance. He made it clear that success does not mean finding a balance but rather involves obsession, focus, and relentless pursuit.

The Shark Tank investor emphasized that the most successful people plunge themselves fully into their goals for some time, realizing that balance can be achieved later. He wrote:

"The most successful people immerse themselves completely in their goals for a period of time, knowing that balance can come later."

Herjavec provided a historical example by referencing Thomas Edison. He explained that Edison did not create the light bulb by adhering to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, instead, he worked tirelessly, often through the night, driven by his vision. Herjavec noted that this level of dedication was necessary for achieving great success.

"True greatness requires all-in dedication." he wrote.

The Shark Tank investor underscored that to achieve something extraordinary, people need to allow themselves to be unbalanced, at least temporarily. He added that true greatness requires full dedication to a goal, no matter what balance is compromised in other aspects of life.

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Historical and practical context

Herjavec's approach aligns with the mindset of many historical personalities and modern professionals who have focused solely on their goals to achieve outstanding results. His mention of Edison is just one example of individuals whose intense focus on their work has led to monumental discoveries. He wrote:

"Take Thomas Edison, for example. He didn’t invent the light bulb by clocking out at 5 p.m. every day."

Herjavec’s comments suggest that these individuals prioritize their goals and remain committed to them even when this disrupts their work-life balance. He added:

"He worked tirelessly, often through the night, because he was consumed by his vision."

He elaborated that achieving balance should be the goal for individuals once they have attained success. In this sense, transitory imbalance is positioned as a necessary phase in a quest for ultimate objectives.

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The implications of prioritizing focus

However, Herjavec's perspective raises questions about the trade-offs involved in focusing solely on one's goals. He emphasized that concentrating on a single goal can help people speed up their progress, potentially leading to greater success.

He also explained that this approach may require individuals to temporarily neglect other aspects of their lives, such as personal time or relationships. The Shark Tank investor highlighted that once success has been achieved, balance can be pursued. He wrote:

"Balance is what you work toward after you’ve built your success."

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