Balance: Are You Balanced or Off Balance?

Life can be a balancing act because we are consistently bombarded with words and events that can knock us off track. How we handle each day’s challenges will dictate our futures. Why? The answer is that wasted days do not serve as a foundation for success. Being busy does not mean the same thing as being productive! Being productive requires balance.

Remember that “busyness” is visible to those watching but “productivity” isn’t.

Balance Perspectives

• What are your priorities? What is important to you? Do you have boundaries? Are you juggling too many things in your life? Are you following a recipe for disaster because of biting off more than you can chew? Where does balance come into play?
• Do you have a positive attitude? Does your day begin with a goal in mind? How do you deal with adversity, uncertainty, and the unexpected? Do you let things get to you or are you able to “go with the flow?” Do you worry about things that are out of your control or do you deal with things that come your way in the best way possible and then “let the chips fall where they may?
• Do take care of your own needs? If you don’t get plenty of rest, exercise and eat properly, you won’t be healthy and if you aren’t healthy you won’t function at your peak level. Remember that exercise boosts mood, eating proper food gives energy, sleeping enough offers stamina.
• Do you have an effective mindset? Do you plan ahead so that you are aware of what needs to be done each week, each month and each year? Is your “to do” list realistic? Make sure that you add to your list upcoming appointments, exams to write or study for, or meetings to attend. Don’t forget to add recreation and quality time for yourself. This is very important to recharge your batteries.
• Prepare yourself for the unexpected. Be willing to adapt to changes in circumstances. Remember that “stuff” happens and if you can “go with the flow,” you will be in better shape and your life will have balance. Have a Plan B when your Plan A flops for some reason. Remain aware that at times some project or event may take an extraordinary amount of time. Do what you have to do to get things done but then revive yourself with time devoted to your own personal needs.

The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves. ~Steven Spielberg

Second Photo: Brendan Landis