Balance

I recently finished 7 Habits for Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. It is probably one of my all-time favorite books. There are so many things in there that can make such an impact on my life. In some ways, it's hard to know where to start. :)

In any case, one thing that it has helped me to do is really center myself on my guiding principles. I am working on my personal mission statement which, ironically, I have centered around Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (no, not my blog, silly - the unalienable rights identified in the Declaration of Independence).

Part of this process for me is finding balance in my life. Through this exploration, I have come to realize that I need to truly identify what Balance means to me.

I used to think that Balance meant stopping work when the kids got home so I could really focus on them. What I have come to realize is that my definition is skewed. You may say, "Duh, I could have told you that" and yes, writing it down like that I realize it's pretty obvious, but it didn't feel that way. :)

I am working on re-defining what balance means to me. So far, I think the biggest thing that it means is not focusing so narrowly on one thing that everything else falls by the way side.

When I work, I have a tendency to focus on one thing at a time and I have a great ability to shut out everything else. Unfortunately, that everything else may be my kids, dinnertime, a phone call I've received (no more multi-tasking while I'm on the phone), etc. I think that achieving better balance means not wearing my blinders except when really appropriate (i.e. conference calls - again, no more multi-tasking on these either) and changing the focus of my attention for some of those interruptions. It may result in some of my work taking longer in some cases, but I think I will feel better about the results.

What does balance mean to you?

On a different but related note, I think multi-tasking is overrated. It seems to me that it results in doing neither task very well. Have you tried multi-tasking while on the phone (other than dishes)? I don't recommend it. To you whom I have spoken with while multi-tasking, I am very sorry. I am trying to change. :)


I would love to hear what balance means to you and any thoughts you have on multi-tasking.

:)