January 2011
Have you made a New Year's resolution yet? Most people, around this time of year, think of one or two things to change in their life. It might be to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier, etc. For others, it might be to spend more time with family or have a 'date night' with a significant other at least once a month. Whatever the resolution is, by February it’s long forgotten. So, how does one find a resolution that will actually work? Think of the word 'balance' to help with your decision.
1. Balance - According to the dictionary, balance means: emotional stability; calmness of mind. For you, does it mean you will have time to get your work done and have time for family and friends? Does it mean you will have time for yourself? Does it mean you will eat healthier? Or perhaps it might mean that you will find time to exercise? Figuring out what your ‘balance’ looks like is essential. Every individual has his or her own interpretation of the word ‘balance’. Until you know what your ‘balance’ will look like, it is difficult to move forward. In order to figure out what your 'balance' looks like, it's important to figure out what your goals are in your life. Do you have long-term goals? Short-term goals? If not, now is the time to really consider what your goals are.
2. How does one achieve balance? This is the tough part. Many people believe that they need to give up something in order to have balance in their life. Well, that may be the case for some people, but not for everyone. In order to have balance, one needs to look at everything that is going on in their life. Consider the following:
- Are there things that you currently do that can be delegated to others?
- Are there things in your life that, when you take a really close look, are not important? If so, ask yourself why are you doing them?
- Are there things in your life that are ‘time suckers’?
- Are there things in your life that you are doing that you really hate?
- Is it your personality to always say, “Yes, I’ll do that for you”?
- Do you have a hard time saying, “No”?
3. Ahhhhh. Once you have figured out what really is important in your life, you can move forward. Planning out your day, week, month, etc. is like planning out a physical space. Take a pantry, for example. There is only so much space to put grocery items. If you jam-pack that space, it becomes an eyesore. If you fill it with other items, the pantry isn’t a pantry anymore. It’s become a place where you dread to go. It becomes stress. Plan out your day, your week, and your month like a physical space. There is only so much time in a day and if you jam-pack your day, you are going to be on the road to an unbalanced life. To achieve balance decide who is going to do the ‘work’ and who can assist to you. The important part is to book yourself time so that you ensure you are having balance (a date night, a yoga class, etc.). Most people make a doctor’s appointment or a dentist appointment and will keep that appointment. Why not make an appointment with yourself? Be good to yourself and keep that appointment!
Please don’t forget that creating a balanced life requires work. Compare your life to getting your hair cut. Most people get a haircut every month, six weeks, etc. Some people also get a new style, a new colour, etc. Your life is like that. As we grow older, our needs change and so does the balance in our lives. Having balance in your life requires maintenance and the ability to change and adapt. So, ask yourself: What does my balance look like?
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by Sheri Bruneau
© 2011 Get It Together Inc.
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