6 Ways to Stay Grounded and Balance Family, Faith, and Career
Lessons from Matthew West
Balancing a demanding career with family and faith is a challenge many of us face and Matthew West knows this struggle firsthand. As a successful Christian artist who spends months on the road, Matthew has had to be intentional about staying connected to his family and grounded in his faith. He told us how he manages these competing priorities.
Here are five lessons you can apply to your own life from Matthew’s journey of balancing fame, faith, and family. Also check out the previous blog on this topic from him.
1. Prioritize One-on-One Time with Family
Matthew knows that being away on tour makes family time more precious, so when he’s home, he makes it count. One of the ways he stays connected is by spending intentional one-on-one time with each of his daughters. “I’ve got three girls in my house and sometimes life gets too busy, but [individual time] is important,” Matthew shared.
Whether you have kids, a spouse, or close friends, carving out time for meaningful, individual moments with the people you love is essential. Intentional moments build strong bonds and help you stay connected with your family, even when life gets hectic.
2. Celebrate the Small Moments
Sometimes, the last thing you want to do after a busy season is add more to your plate, but Matthew knows the importance of showing up for the special moments, no matter how tired you are. After returning from a 32-city tour, Matthew found himself faced with the decision to celebrate his anniversary with his wife. “The last thing I wanted to do was go out of town…but you know what? It was our anniversary. And I’m not going to punish her for me being gone.” Matthew said.
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Even when you’re exhausted, celebrating special occasions or small victories is important for nurturing relationships. Taking the time to show your love and appreciation—even when it’s not convenient—can go a long way in keeping your connections strong.
3. Stay Connected to Your Faith
Matthew’s ability to balance career and family is rooted in his commitment to staying connected with God. Touring can be physically and emotionally draining, but Matthew has learned that intentional time with God gives him the strength he needs to stay grounded at home. “Living intentionally means making sure I don’t come home completely spent,” he shared. (02:05:08)
In your own life, staying connected to God can be the key to finding balance. Whether it’s spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, or attending church, prioritizing your relationship with God helps you stay strong, even when life’s demands start piling up.
4. Manage Your Energy While You’re Away
One of the lessons Matthew has learned is the importance of managing his energy while he’s on the road. Touring can be grueling, but Matthew has discovered that how he spends his time away affects how he shows up for his family when he gets home.
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“My band will stay up till two in the morning listening to music and talking…I’m going to bed at ten because I want to get off that bus on Monday morning and actually be good for something with my family.”
The choices you make while you’re away impact how you engage with your family.
By setting boundaries and conserving your energy, you can return home with something left to give.
5. Learn to Say No
One of the hardest lessons Matthew has learned is the importance of saying no. “I’ll say yes to things that I probably should say no to because I don’t want to disappoint that person, but then it takes me away from my family,” he admitted.
It’s easy to overcommit and try to please everyone, but saying yes to too many things can take you away from what matters most—your faith, your family, and your own well-being. By learning to say no, when necessary, you can focus on what’s truly important and give your best to the people who need you most.
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6. Prioritize Rest to Avoid Burnout
Matthew shared the lesson he learned after staying up too late with his band on the final night of a tour. “I stayed up with the band and hung out on the ride home…and I paid for it the next day because I normally go to bed at ten.”
Rest is not just a luxury but a necessity.
By prioritizing rest, you can return home fully energized and able to be present for your loved ones. Building rest into your schedule, even during busy periods, will help you avoid burnout and allow you to give your best when you’re needed the most.
As you go about your day, ask yourself: How can I be more intentional with my time, both with God and with my family? Remember, balance is not about perfection—it’s about making the effort to show up for the people and the faith in God that anchors you.
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