The Key to Finding Balance

Having balance is a popular topic while in my coaching sessions.  Oftentimes, we are pulled in directions that we don’t want to be in…at the expense of something else.  When this happens, we can be unhappy.

If you have read some of my other blogs, then you know that I believe balance is more like a see-saw: sometimes we are up, sometimes just right and sometimes down.  What we really want is satisfaction and to be happy.   To do this, we may want to have the many aspects of our life represented fairly, instead of tottering to one side.   This isn’t always possible depending on circumstances such as a job, kids, other responsibilities, or our choices.

Here are my keys to finding more balance:

• Know your priority percent.  What are your priorities this month? Is it your job, health, raising kids, taking care of parents?  Know what your priorities are, and what percent of your time and energy is appropriate for you this month in each area.  I do this and sometimes end up with over 100%!  This is definitely a time to adjust my expectations and decide what I don’t need to do now, or what I need to say no to.

• Recognize seasons. Is the imbalance because of a season you are in?  Some things come into our lives, and we need to handle them at a different intensity, such as having children or a project at work.  Understanding that you are in a season helps to put things in perspective.  For example, if you can’t work out as much now, because of your work schedule, when will that change or when can you make a change?  Knowing a date can help mentally.

• Set your 30 minutes of satisfaction in your week or day.  Do you have something you are itching to spend time on, but just aren’t able to right now?  For instance, I love to paint, but with other responsibilities it has the smallest priority percent.  I decide to carve out 30 minutes on it in the week.  That’s it.  It is amazing how satisfying it is and helps me feel more balanced because I took the time, even a small amount.

•  Set three daily intentions.  Based on what you have already determined, what are your three intentions for today?  Consider not only tactical, but inspirational, as well, such as: I will be patient and breathe.  This helps guide you to feel more satisfied and realistic about what is important.

Because of the amount of information and responsibilities we hold, it can be frustrating and overwhelming when we feel we are spending time in areas that aren’t serving us.  Being aware of the areas causing the imbalance and striving to “tip” our see-saw can help lead us to more satisfaction, productivity, and happiness.