Why Your Work-Life Balance is Failing (And How the 5 Ls Fix It) with Mike Mannix
In this episode, Michael Mannix reveals the science-backed "Five Ls" framework to help entrepreneurs defeat burnout and achieve true work-life balance in 2026. Learn how to reprogram your brain chemistry for resilience and why walking away from a high-powered career might be the ultimate strategy for your long-term success.
JOIN DOM AND JULIE LIVE AT CRE8TIVE CON IN CHICAGO AND SAVE $50 with code KWIK50 at CHECKOUT!
Is burnout holding you back from your creative potential? As we kick off 2026, the pressure to "do it all" is at an all-time high. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Michael Mannix, co-founder of Unparalleled Performance and author of the number one bestselling book, The Five Ls: The Gift of a Balanced Life.
Mike brings 30 years of high-level corporate experience—including executive board membership for a global BPO—to help entrepreneurs and leaders find resilience through a science-supported framework. Whether you are a business owner in Chicago or a creative professional working globally, this episode provides the roadmap to stop "chasing the dollar" and start changing your life.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
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The Science of Disconnecting: How an "Attitude of Gratitude" releases oxytocin (the happy hormone) to physically change your brain chemistry.
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The Oxygen Mask Theory: Why self-love is a selfless act and why you are no good to your business or family until you take care of yourself first.
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The 5 Ls Framework: A deep dive into Love, Laughter, Labor, Leisure, and Leave.
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Leaving the Corporate Grind: Mike shares the raw story of walking away from a 22-year career during a global pandemic to pursue his purpose.
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Legacy & Success: A moving tribute to Mike’s father and how a line of hundreds at a funeral redefined what "success" actually looks like.
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The 2026 Success List: Why you should ditch New Year’s resolutions for a "Success List" that includes things you need to stop doing.
The Five Ls Breakdown:
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Love: It starts with self-love; without it, all else fails.
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Laughter: Don’t take yourself too seriously—manage stress through positive thinking.
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Labor: Finding passion and purpose in your work to stay mentally and physically healthy.
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Leisure: Recharging your "internal battery" with the same urgency you charge your phone.
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Leave: The power of walking away from what no longer serves you to embrace positive change.
Key Quotes from Mike Mannix:
"Your company is going to go on without you. If you put yourself in the hospital because you didn't take time for yourself, the world keeps spinning. Plan your time. You are worth it."
"The true measure of success is gauged by the amount of lives that you touch and lead for the better."
Resources Mentioned:
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Book: The Five Ls: The Gift of a Balanced Life (Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble)
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Website: UnparalleledPerformance.com – Take the Free Self-Assessment to see which of your Ls are out of balance!
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Upcoming Event: Catch Jim Kwik at Creative Con this February in Chicago!
Connect with Mike Mannix:
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LinkedIn: Michael Mannix
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Instagram/TikTok/X: @UnparalleledPerformance
Connect with The Creative Entrepreneur:
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Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts!
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Creative Fridays: Follow Dom’s lead and schedule your creative deep-work time every Friday.
What L are you focusing on this week? Reach out to us on social media and let us know!
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