I wanted to raise the Wimbledon trophy and claim my tennis stardom. I also wanted to be a fighter pilot. A writer. A PGA champion. A globe-trotting travel journalist. A performer at the World Salsa Congress. A CEO. A family man.
Before I thoroughly disappoint you, this article has no secret recipe to perform all of the above in a single lifetime. If you find that book, add a comment below.
Whatever my ambitions (and there are many) the challenge had always taken the shape of a twisted pendulum. That oscillated between life’s various priorities all competing for the same commodity. Time.
Several spreadsheets, mind-maps, smart people giving lectures, self-reflection sessions, an injury, family upheavals, sermons, three kids later, I have come to a simple conclusion.
A close to a satisfied life is a somewhat balanced life.
And balanced around seven very specific areas.
One ‘discovery’ has been to not prioritize the seven in a hierarchical sequence. The beauty is in finding the balance not at the expense of any of these factors but to strive for it within the seven.
If you’re wondering deep hidden meaning behind the seven variables — don’t. They are exactly what they appear to be. Ask for any clarifications in the comments section.
How do you test if you are leading a balance life?
Simple. Check if you’re satisfied?
As I have found numerous times, I may be having an amazing career streak but at the expense of family and health. I have had short stints to focus on my health but at the expense of personal growth. And excellent relationships but at the expense of finances. You get the point.
Excelling in one or a couple is not the goal. Instead, moving them all along in some rhythm and performing a regular status check has been key.
Confession. I have only glimpsed in a few fleeting moments when that perfect elusive balance has been experienced. It is beautiful. And it can be enough to inspire to not give up.
