Keeping in mind that life balance is an ever-evolving process, here are a few tips I shared at the public conversation on May 4, 2009:
TIP #1
One step at a time!
When we do things one step at a time and break it down, we leave room for the other projects, tasks and routine things that inevitably make up our days.
TIP #2
Ask key questions:
- What’s working in my life right now?
- What am I doing that’s already creating some balance, even if in one tiny aspect of my life?
- How can I apply what’s working in one area to another?
TIP #3
TRUST in yourself and in life. When in doubt, say to yourself: “So WHAT! I can handle it!”
TIP #4
Clear vision
Build a clear vision of where you want to be. If it’s hard to be clear, try identifying ONE goal that matters to you and come up with ONE small step to improve that area of your life.
TIP #5
Delegate!
- Be clear about 1) WHAT you need and 2) HOW you’ll support the person helping you…We’re not talking about dumping here!
- Overcome resistance to ask for help: REMEMBER: you’re allowing someone to develop skills that may come in handy to them too. You’re also building stronger relationships through this give and take
- Give thanks and praise – it goes a long way to reward the help we received and to show contribute to other’s growth
TIP #6
LET GO…
Know what to let go of and where to direct your time and energy. Being balanced is not about doing it all at once, it’s about doing what you love and being content with what you have…amen!
TIP #7
Make it fun
When something is draining or simply unappealing but needs to get done, ask yourself how you can make this task more fun and playful. We all need to play to stay fresh and open to life, I think 
TIP #8
SMALL STEPS!
I can’t say it enough: Small steps are the key to bypassing resistance and overcoming our personal blocks to wellness and our dreams. If you’re still resisting the first step to whatever goal you’re pursuing right now, it’s a sign you haven’t broken it down enough. The trick is to come up with the smallest, easiest step…So easy that you can’t possibly fail. And with each little success, we build our self-confidence, satisfaction and motivation to make big leaps towards our dream that once overwhelmed us.
TIP #9
Get organised…and realistic!
Have you ever written a daily to-do list that required 40 hours to achieve your long list of “needs”? Don’t fret – try this: write a list with a maximum of 3 items. If you feel too underwhelmed or guilty about the unproductive sound of that, tell yourself you can add more once these 3 things have been completed. After trying this, I was amazed at how good it felt to scratch everything off my list and feel a sense of completion after throwing my list in the recycling bin.
TIP #10
Check (in) please!
Let’s face it, cars need fuel to function, our bodies need food to function…And our minds and spirits need to refuel with quiet “me time” to counterbalance the heavy output of our productive lives.
Regular distraction-free time alone is absolutely essential for our well being. Whether you take 15 minutes a day or a 2-hour weekly date with yourself, this you-time does wonders for refueling your energy and providing uninterrupted time to think about where you’re at and where you’re headed. Also a wonderful opportunity to stop and take notice of all the beautiful and good things in our life.
