Achieving Life Balance: Understanding the Movement, Mindset, and Action

What Does "Balance" Mean?

We all want to achieve life balance, and some of us are doing a decent job by developing good habits, following a routine, staying focused, and aligning actions with our priorities and goals. But no matter what we do, at some point, we feel like things become broken again, which brings a question, do we truly understand what "balance" means? The truth is that balance is not the "perfect middle" as if it was some permanent overarching feeling of satisfaction or a specific point in time or materialistic reflection of one's achievement. Balance is a constant movement between your goals and priorities around core areas of your life (business, family, sports, health, leisure, etc.). Again, it's not the set point in time or just psychological "space" or feeling. It is a movement.

Optimizing Movement

The key is to figure out how you need to optimize that movement and "balance it out" to never get to the extremes of either side of your activities (overworking one area over another, or completely underperforming in one instance over another) unless you willfully choose to do so due to unique circumstances for a temporary period. To simplify it: if you are extremely productive but not taking care of yourself along the way and do not allocate time for rest - you are leaning to the extremes of one side, and your balance gets less optimized as you go. It is hard to keep hyper-performance sustainable for a long time without finding solutions that keep your energy balanced (since "all-time high" is never really all the time). On the other hand, if you are having too much fun and do not keep up the hard work, at some point, when the realization comes, you end up feeling anxious and restless because you are not hitting your deadlines and thus, not reaching your goals.

The first step required to "win the balance" is realizing that you will always maneuver from one place to another, from one priority to another, and it means it never will feel "perfectly balanced". But it can be optimized most effectively and healthily possible. It all starts with a mindset, which after you set it right, you can then get down deeper into areas of your life that need some "balancing out" kind of work. Show yourself grace when you slightly move away from your set path, but also keep yourself accountable by creating a system that works specifically for you considering your character, strengths, weaknesses, and certainly, your goals. Ultimately, remember, balance is achieved in action, in movement, not in a static place or some "sweet spot" that is there waiting for you. If you remember this, you will stop feeling that balance is unattainable, and will see that it is very much possible to achieve.

Practical Exercise

To help you optimize your movement and achieve a more balanced life, here are some exercises  to consider:

·       Conduct a life audit: Evaluate the different areas of your life (work, family, health, etc.) and assess which ones are currently taking up the most time and energy. Consider how you can rebalance your time and prioritize activities that align with your values and goals.

·       Create a daily routine: Develop a routine that includes time for work, rest, exercise, and leisure activities. Stick to the routine as much as possible and adjust it as needed to ensure that you are balancing your time and energy effectively.

·       Set realistic goals: Once you've identified the areas you want to focus on, set realistic goals that align with your priorities. Ensure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

·       Assess and adjust regularly: Regularly assess how well you are balancing your priorities and goals. If you find that you're leaning too much towards one area, adjust your schedule and goals accordingly.

·       Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and bring your attention to the present moment. You can do this anywhere, whether it's at your desk, in your car, or on a walk outside. Simply breathe in deeply, and as you exhale, release any tension you may be holding in your body. Repeat this a few times, and as thoughts come into your mind, simply acknowledge them and let them go without judgment. This exercise helps to reduce stress, increase focus, and improve overall well-being.

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There are many other exercises you can do, however, being able to reflect and ask yourself questions such as these examples is also important: 

·       What are my core values and priorities, and how can I align my activities with them?

·       What activities or habits are draining my time and energy, and how can I reduce or eliminate them?

·       What areas of my life are currently out of balance, and what small steps can I take to start bringing them back into alignment?

Your Personal Journey to Balance

In conclusion, finding balance in life is a continuous journey that requires patience, persistence, and self-awareness. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a personalized approach that requires us to assess our priorities and values regularly. By incorporating the exercises and questions mentioned above into our daily routine, we can gain a better understanding of what balance means to us and what steps we can take to achieve it.

Remember, life balance is not just about dividing time equally between work, family, and personal interests. It is about finding harmony between all aspects of our lives, so we can feel fulfilled, happy, and energized. It is essential to prioritize self-care and make time for the things that bring us joy and meaning, whether that's spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or taking care of our physical and mental health.

In the end, finding balance is an ongoing process that requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt. By taking small steps every day, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling life. And always remember, it is never too late to start. With the right mindset and a commitment to change, we can achieve the balance we seek and live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

“Balance is a constant movement between your goals and priorities around core areas of your life (business, family, sports, health, leisure, etc.). It's not the set point in time or just psychological "space" or feeling. It is a movement.”