This isn’t supposed to be a self-help website.

I never intended to write about my feelings and relationships and those messy/beautiful realizations that make us human.

But after moving apartments again—the fifth time in 15 months—I’m feeling sentimental about change and time passing.

And I’ve been thinking about how indebted I am to some ideas that have enriched my business and personal lives over that same period of time.

The two are hopelessly connected and always will be—although it doesn’t have to be hopeless at all.

We become entrepreneurs because we know there is a better way to work and live. We insist on doing things differently, and better.

So here are four concepts that have revolutionized my idea of work-life balance. I hope you can find one to seize on, right away.

1. Chase a set of feelings, and nothing else.

This one is bigger than anything.

I first encountered Danielle LaPorte a few years ago. A lifestyle and business guru of the soulful variety, she encourages her people (of whom there are many) to reject traditional goal-setting and define their own ideals.

Her strategy for life and business involves listening carefully to how you want to feel, and building a life in pursuit of your “core desired feelings.”

The first time I tried to answer her question, I felt completely lit up but for some reason unable to really start implementing what I’d discovered.

I did it again this fall when I returned from Ghana to find myself at a professional crossroads. How did I want to feel?

And holy fireworks. It was suddenly clear that I needed to feel independent, helpful, and creative. I wrote those words on a post-it and stuck them to my computer monitor.

This helped made me realize I was ready to start my business—and not get another job working for someone else—and gave me the clarity I needed to picture what exactly that business should look like.

So big ups to Ms. LaPorte. She’s a game changer.

2. Make work fun by creating fun work.

Earlier this year, as I was building my website and working on my business plans, I found myself conflicted about who exactly my ideal clients were.

I wanted to build a business I’d love and work with companies and individuals I believed in, but I was also SO OVER worrying about money. I wanted to make sure my clients could afford to pay me what I deserved.

So I started planning a corporate writing business targeting large companies that could seriously improve my cash flow situation.

My friend and fellow entrepreneur Erin Lee was the one who called me out on it. Erin can be blunt, and that’s part of what I love about her. She isn’t afraid to come right out and ask…

“Is that going to be fun for you?”

She asked sweetly, over Skype video chat, but with her nose wrinkled up a little.

And I sighed. It probably wasn’t, not really.

You know what is? Working with small business owners. I now know for sure.

So that’s my #2. Make sure your business is fun, so your life can be too.

3. Screw the 9-to-5.

When I moved out to Vancouver, I was astounded to see people lounging about at the beach at 3 p.m. on a Monday afternoon. Playing Frisbee, getting sun, having a beer. The uptight Torontonian in me recoiled: shouldn’t they be working?

And then I realized THAT’S WHAT THE MAN WANTS ME TO THINK.

The truth is, I’ve always despised the idea that you must be in your cubicle at work to be working. It’s a fallacy. You can be at work watching cat videos or at home creating a money-making world-changing widget. When employers measure an employee’s quality based on their butt-in-chair hours rather than the quantity and quality of their work, it’s not only condescending—it’s disempowering and demotivating.

The other day my friend Lindzy shared this article on Facebook. It was a welcome reminder that the eight-hour work day, five-day work week thing isn’t the inevitable, natural thing we so often take it to be. With a little guts and ingenuity, you can create your own schedule, and a healthier, more balanced life. Isn’t that what we’re all doing this for?

So, I’m re-stating my vow to build creative writing time back into my work week. It’s a work-in-progress, but I’ll get there.

4. Live for now, as much as possible.

This one is a challenge to myself, and to you, as much as anything.

I love imagining a better, brighter future. When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to be a grown-up. When I became a grown-up, I couldn’t wait to become a better one.

I also have a razor-sharp ability to anticipate and mitigate problems before they arise (which sometimes means I imagine catastrophes that never manifest).

Over the past few months—and with help from my partner, ever grounded as he is in the present—I’ve realized how limiting this approach to life can be.

By always looking forward, I often fail to fully experience the present—and experience the small joys that make life worth living.

I was almost ashamed when I realized how big of a problem this is for me.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be into yoga or proper meditation, but there are other ways to become more grounded in the moment. I appreciate Ellen Langer’s approach to mindfulness, which is as simple as noticing new things. How many of us have gone for a walk thinking only about work, groceries, a new idea, or other things of the past or future? By noticing new things, and by constantly checking your mind to see whether it’s really here or elsewhere, you strengthen your ability to be present.

I don’t know how to slow time, but in the absence of that ultimate power, this seems worth working on.

So tell me, dear entrepreneur, what do you think of the idea of work-life balance? Impossible, irrelevant, or worth striving for?