In a recent interview with Fortune, Jim Rowley, CEO of Crunch Fitness, expressed his strong disagreement with the concept of work-life balance, saying that it is an illusion for those who are not fully committed. He believes that success requires sacrifice and that employees who seek work-life balance are not putting in the effort to achieve their goals. Rowley, a former US marine, has over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry and has grown Crunch Fitness into a chain with over 400 locations.
According to Rowley, the modern concepts of “work-life balance, life hacks, corner-cutting—are illusions” and that people are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve their goals. He challenges his team members to think about what they are willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals, rather than just focusing on what they want. He believes that instant gratification society does not lead to success and that hard work, determination, planning, self-awareness, and challenging oneself are the key factors that drive success.
Rowley also shared his personal philosophy, “No one is coming. It’s up to you. If you want something, don’t look for it to come from somewhere else. Do you have the drive and the determination and the discipline to get what you want? And if you’re willing to make those sacrifices, there’s going to be an imbalance in your life.” He has never found balance in his life and does not believe it exists. Rowley’s views may be seen as controversial, especially in today’s age where work-life balance is becoming increasingly important, but he emphasizes that his perspective is rooted in his experience as a successful business leader and CEO.