When you think about a balanced life, what comes to mind? It may surprise you to know that the answer to this question is very different for everyone. Most people think an equal amount of time for work and play, others the ability to spend more quality time with their family. For some it may mean eliminating the stress and drama in their life or being a more spiritually-centered person. I have heard clients say that having enough money to travel or retire would bring balance to their life. As a coach, I have heard many, many definitions over the past 12 years and each one is correct for each individual. Although there is one thing, one thread which is the same for each and every person and that is achieving a balanced life requires clarity about those things that are most important to you and prioritizing them in order to give them the time and attention they deserve. What do you value in your life?
If you want more balance in your life the first step is to determine what your governing values are. You must determine your highest priorities. Prioritizing does not mean that you believe one value is more important than another. It is simply a way to give structure so that you can focus on the most compelling values first. Is your top priority spending time with your family? Then your governing value would simply be family. Do you see consistently turning in quality work as a priority? Your value, in this case, might be professionalism. Do you strive to have enough money to provide a secure financial future for your family? Your value might be prosperity.
Just as in the examples above, make a list of your top ten priorities and then connect those to a value. Now take a look at your top 10 list and ask yourself, do the things I do on a daily basis reflect my values listed? Next, ask the people in your life, based on your actions, what would they list as your priorities and values? Would their list match yours?