Life needs balance. Without balance, life can become chaotic. We have to learn what to hold onto and what to let go of.
There are several areas of life we should consider when trying to establish an even keel. The major components include: physical, vocational, spiritual & emotional, relational, social, recreational, financial, family & inner circle with life purpose and vision at the center. That is a lot of areas to juggle in order to live balanced in an unbalanced world.
The more multifaceted our balance wheel is, the less time we have to devote to each area of life. When that happens, we let those areas spill into the time available. If we just had more time, we could get everything done, right? Not necessarily. Most people have a backlog of things they want to get done. But when we try to accomplish it all, we create a huge problem. We rob time from another slice on the balance wheel until all areas are jammed together. Pressure builds. We get stressed out. We become unbalanced.
Balance means to allot our time and energy in such a way that will benefit what you consider to be life’s most important areas. We must consider: Do the things that matter on earth have any real significance in eternity? If not, why am I spinning my wheels trying to accomplish a meaningless task?
I am notorious for being task-oriented. I came to realize, however, that I have to be intentional and self-disciplined in order to balance my physical with my spiritual and emotional. It’s not easy for me, but I know setting certain limits is absolutely crucial if I want balance in my existence, which in turn brings quality to life, which helps me focus on the hub of my wheel – my purpose and my vision.
To live balanced in an unbalanced world is not something we stumble upon. It is something we create. We must be proactive.
Determine what is important. What are your top priorities? Rate them on a scale from one to ten. The higher the priority, the more time should be spent in that area.
Be creative. Look for ways to be more efficient with time and energy you give to the tasks at hand.
Learn to cut the slices of the balance wheel in proportionate sizes in relation to their importance.
Stay relational. Spend quality time with other people. Focus on them – not on the tasks your could or should be doing instead. We cannot be all toil and no skittles.
Keep healthy. Eat well and exercise regularly. Besides, exercise is a great stress-reliever. Being healthy is an important aspect of staying balanced.
Relax. Give yourself a time-out to enjoy life.
Balance comes when you discover, discern and decide what you truly want; what you consider to be important. Then you weigh your options and your choices that align with what you consider your priorities. And voila! You can live balanced in an unbalanced world!