Is Balance Possible? Or Is It Even the Solution in the First Place?

“Work-life balance was a mistake from the start. Because we don't really want balance. We want satisfaction.”— Matthew Kelly, author

Balance is a sticky subject among many people.  If you want a life where you need to juggle a career, family, eating a healthy diet, exercise, and a social life… balance is the only solution...or is it?  Fact or fiction?

Being balanced is defined as the ability to manage various elements of your life without feeling like you are struggling.

Easier said than done, right?

There are two categories that demand a lot of balancing: internal and external.  Most people have difficulties with either one or the other.

Either they are being too self-reflective which causes them to miss out on life experiences...
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Or they’re focused too much on external things, such as work, relationships and other activities, so they pay little attention to what’s actually going on inside them, and how they feel.

Even if you're feeling busy, take a few moments this week and check in with yourself to see how “balanced” you feel.

When you’re balanced, you feel calm, grounded, clear-headed, focused, and motivated.

When you are unbalanced, you feel restless and uneasy.  

Small things like waiting in line or folding laundry can become overwhelming. You get low on patience with your family or those close to you.  You become reactiveand start noticing you feel more anxious and stressed. 
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Wouldn’t it be nice to get rid of that feeling?

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Strategies to restore balance. 

1.  Identify the things that knock you OUT of balance.

If you already know what they are, what can you do change that? Have you tried something in the past? Did it work? If not, you need a new strategy.

2.  Decide what is really important to you.  

Maybe you’re struggling to find time for yourself… but all you have to do is cancel those book club meetings because you love reading alone anyway.

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3.  Practice self-care and self-love.

Pack yourself bottle of water and go for a nice walk or meditate.  Even a few minutes of intentional downtime each day can make a huge difference. 

4.  Speak to yourself like you would a friend. 

Pay close attention to the words running through your head during the day.  Once you start paying attention, it’s incredible how many negative things people say to themselves. 
ONLY say things to yourself that you’d say to a close friend who you loved and cared about! 

5.  Practice planning ahead.

Organizing your calendar makes ALL the difference.  Make sure you have enough “buffer” time to get it all done. Intentionally schedule in your down time, family time, your workouts, and your meal prep time to set yourself up for success!

6.  Find your passion! 

What fulfills you?

If you’re one of those people who think you are not meant to find it, you’re wrong. The reality is that anything can be a passion…. and everyone has them! Keep your eyes wide open! 
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If you already know, AMAZING. Do more of that to fuel the happiness in your life. 

7.  Define your own balance.

Living up to other people’s expectations and comparing yourself to others is a source of deep anxiety.
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What works for some people will not necessarily work for you.  One of the most important things you’ll ever do is define what you want YOUR life to looks like, and what your idea of “balance” is. 

8.  Don't equate balance with time.

Don't think that because you spent 8 hours at work, that you'll spend 8 hours with your family.  Not only is it not practical, but it would probably drive everyone nuts.  

​Plan and spend quality time with your partner or family.   One hour of being completely present with your loved ones will beat out a day of spending time with someone while distracted any day.

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This week, take a few minutes each day to connect and check-in with yourself.  Find your inner balance and actively work towards achieving it.