Living in balance is easier said than done! Nevertheless, this blog post shares some aspects of a balanced life.
Living in balance is a wonderful concept. In fact, it’s something most of us desire to have. Someday!
However, I suspect many lack clarity about just what living in balance would look like – in real life. So, let’s discuss balance for a few minutes.
Aspects of Balance
When you think of living in balance, what’s your default assumption?
I’ll bet it’s some version of work-life balance. Or, work-life integration.
That is, there’s some magical set of circumstances where I’m not overwhelmed by trying to keep up with work demands while, at the same time, I’m able to manage the demands of my personal life.
Well, assuming I have a personal life!
But, certainly there are other aspects of a life lived in balance, beyond a career and family. For example:
1). Finances – I’m able to meet recurring, monthly needs while also setting aside funds for retirement. And for the kid’s college. And for vacation. Also, for unexpected repairs around the house. You get the picture.
2). Health – With all that’s going on, I somehow find time for self-care. Thus, I know I’m not training for the Olympics, but I maintain a healthy routine – eat right, exercise, consistent sleep schedule – that makes the annual physical fairly routine instead of a lecture from the doctor about “needing to slow down if you intend to live past 50!” Ugh!
3). Relationships – Living in balance involves more people than just me. As such, I recognize the need for, and make a priority to, develop and maintain critical relationships. I have those tough conversations when needed. Also, I establish and maintain healthy boundaries. I balance giving and receiving, because too much of either one drains me.
4). Spirituality – As a person of faith, living in balance is built on a foundation of reverence and obedience. It’s good to see outside myself, by noting the needs of those around me. But, I believe it’s essential to see and live beyond my current self, toward that which is eternal.
5). Authenticity – Truly, the first place I must live in balance is within myself. A balanced life begins inside me, with traits such as self-worth and self-confidence. When I’m in balance as a person I don’t need to look for external validation of WHO I am or what I contribute. Moreover, I’ve very comfortable being myself.
Living in balance, according to Proverbs 3.3, involves mercy and truth. I know the right thing to do. More importantly, I find a way to do that right thing in a way that’s merciful, thus compassionate. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Ok, How Do I Get There?
Actually, living in balance is easier said than done! Nevertheless, here are some suggestions for getting there.
First, have clarity about your life purpose. No, not what you’re supposed to be doing ten years from now. Focus on a shorter time period. What’s your purpose for this current season of your life? Of this stage in your career?
Why purpose? Because clarity about life purpose sets us up to make wise choices about our priorities. What do I say YES to? More critically, what should I say NO to?
Second, it should come as no surprise that purpose and priorities flow directly into our goals. Both annual and longer-term goals. When my goals are purpose-driven, I’m focused on those essential few things that I must accomplish as I move toward my purpose.
Third, I’m now positioned to address my habits. You know, those daily activities, those non-negotiables, which keep me on track to accomplish my goals as I move forward toward my life purpose.
In short, this progression involves WHY (my purpose), HOW (my goals), and WHAT (daily disciplines).
For me, the starting point for this progression, before WHY, is WHO I AM. As I like to say: Begin With WHO!
Finally, the hub, or center point, for this WHO-WHY-HOW-WHAT cycle is a personal faith.
These are some examples of what living in balance looks like to me.
Live with purpose, on purpose! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Takeaways
Living in balance is a constant process. It’s not some steady-state we reach when we become a perfectly-in-control human being.
A life lived in balance isn’t a solo project. Seek wise counsel. Allow others to assist you. Conversely, be sensitive to your own role in enabling others you influence to live in balance.
Balance is multi-dimensional. Why? Because it touches numerous aspects of my life.
I must not neglect critical areas of my life simply to be in balance in one area. More specifically, I am not juggling several different balls all at once. Instead, I am making conscious choices based on deeply-held values and intentionally-chosen priorities.
A Question: What does living in balance look like to you?