But let me define balance, for purposes of this blog. Balance is having the time to meet the goals we have set for ourselves.
There are people who are balanced with an 80 to 100 hour workweek. Their reward for this level of commitment is expressed in their income, status, promotions. They're in balance - as long as they are meeting their goals.
Other people are balanced with a 40 hour work week. Their reward may be expressed through the success of their children, their church, their Scout troop. They're in balance - as long as they feel they are meeting their goals.
The point being that balance is very much a personal value call. And what is balance at one point in a person's life may change - based on any number of circumstances.
The 100 hour a week person will find, once they are at the top of their profession, that their goals change - and they adapt to find a combination that provides balance. The worker with family values will find, once children are grown and on their own, some other outlet for energies and needs, and establish new goals to find balance.
The real issue is when we feel out of balance - the needs of the various parts of our lives create frustrations - a feeling that what we are doing - or are compelled to do, doesn't allow time to do the things we want to do. The results include negative energy, resentment, anger, passive aggressive behavior - destructive emotions and behaviors that keep balance from happening.
When that happens, ask yourself these questions:
Do you have goals?
Are they your goals?
Are they specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time framed?
If you can't answer yes to those three questions, you will probably answer yes to the following questions.
Do you resent the demands put on you by others?
Do you feel regardless what you are doing, you should or could be doing something else?
Do you feel your time is not your own?
Do you feel that there is always more to do than you could possibly accomplish?
Do you feel unappreciated?
Do you envy the success of others?
Do you tell yourself someday things will change - and be "better"?
If you answered yes - negative emotions are causing you all kinds of problems, whether you realize it or not.
To overcome those negative emotions, you must have goals that are yours, that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time framed. Look at the goals you do have with that in mind. Adjust if you have to to meet your own circumstances and to preserve or gain balance in your life. And if you don't have your own goals, get them. Start today.
Written by Andy Cox, President
Cox Consulting Group LLC, 4049 E Vista Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85032 Ph: 602-795-4100; Fax: 602-795-4800; E Mail: acox@coxconsultgroup.com; Website: www.coxconsultgroup.com
Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved
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