Balance: Teeter Totter

A huge concern for most of us is acheiving a balance in both our professional and personal lives. I have found from my own personal experience and that of my friends, family and clientele that acheiving a balance is rarely a focus, but lack of balance become the focus instead..... Read that again: Acheiving a balance is rarely a focus, but lack of balance becomes the focus instead.

So what is balance? How do we acheive it? Well, all answers become very deep and complex, but with everything in life from fitness, nutrition, work and relationships balance becomes essential. Whatever we focus on tends to throw us off of balance; whether positive or negative. Think about it... Have you ever focused on eating "well balanced meals" and instead of realizing how well you're doing at creating a lifestyle change and automatic habit, you focus on your lack of exercise or even lack of social time eating out with friends instead? We are all guilty.

I believe that it's important for us to realize the life is not perfect, and the majority of us will always be seeking balance. In fact, most of us who aspire to acheive great things will often be out of balance when it comes time to seize opportunity and perfect our game; whatever that may be. The majority of people (in my experience) who claim to have a perfect balance, very rarely acheive great things, and admit to contentment of their current position. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this for them, not all of us like to be content. We strive for greatness or just simply something more!

It's also important to remember the balance is defined differently by each individual based on their moral or religious obligations, weight on specific relationships and those circumstances and also their overall lifestyle choices. Despite all variables, we all have one thing in common - We hope to acheive a balance.

With that said here are a few tips that I have learned in my journey of striving for a balance right for my lifestyle:

• Prioritize your schedule - Make time for things you enjoy or not just your "have tos"
• Transition Your Lifestyle into One that You will Enjoy Daily. - Whether it be your career choice or just playing with your kids everyday after work.
• Educate Yourself  - Create confidence in yourself as an asset to your employer and those who look up to you.
• Let Loose Everyone Once in Awhile - This doesn't mean you have to get completely crazy in a traditional sense with alcohol or drugs, but allow yourself to have fun and just live!
• Take Risks - Allow yourself to be out of control sometimes! This will help you develop as a person, grow, become stronger, and maybe even open up better opportunities.
• Love - Love hard. Appreciate those in your circle and family who support you. Make time for them, and place them as a top priority.
• Work Hard - If you work hard while you are working, you will be able to reap the benefits to the greatest degree and stress and worry less on your time off.
• Get a Coach or Mentor - Someone who can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and help you manage your busy schedule. This person (or people) can also help you remember what's important from an unbias point of view.
• Take A Trip at Least Once a Year - Allow yourself a mental escape from the "have tos" of life. Allow yourself to be unavailable to those outside of your intimate circle every now and again.
• Devote Time to Relaxation, Meditation, Spirituality, and Reflection - Spend time, and make it a priority to count your blessings, adjust your game plan, connect with your soul, and reflect on your direction. This will help guide you toward future decisions and allow you to be properly prepared.
• Do Not Neglect Your Health - Even if you get money, do not neglect your health. No amount of money can make you competely happy or buy you health. You have one body, and you must nurture it. This is your outward relection of your internal being the people will follow, and be inspired by.

“My point is, life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The pina and the colada.”