Develop Your Plan

When you first start thinking about living a life of balance it can seem overwhelming.  Sometimes you just don't know where to begin.  However, it's important to realize that there isn't any one particular place you should be begin.  The important thing is that you develop a realistic plan to become balanced and do something each day that will boost your life balance.

One of the first things you can do is to define the areas in your life that need balance.  Write down the major areas of your life that need to addressed on a separate piece of paper. Your headings for your major areas to balance may look something like the following:

• Family & Friends
• Things around your house or pertaining to your managing your household
• Finances
• Career
• Health
• Spiritual and community obligations

List all of the obligations or tasks associated with each of these major areas of your life. Don't ponder too hard while doing this exercise.  You just want to write down everything that initially comes to mind. Make sure to list those things under each area that you have been avoiding doing.

The next step is to prioritize your list under each major heading and compile them into a balance plan.  This balance plan is going to consist of a goal or two from each major areas. I actually suggest taking "baby steps" and include one task from each area that need balancing.  From your initial lists you can develop balance plans for the week or month.  Establishing small obtainable goals will boost your confidence in your ability to actually live a balanced life.

Comments

[All Things Tangled]

Really great tips! I have so many goals, I don't even know where to begin.

[Robin Wright]

Thanks for stopping by. I often have that feeling of not knowing exactly where to start. This would drive me crazy. So, now I don't think about it, I just start.

[Scott Hampton]

Very good insight. I'm a fan or lists, planning, and organization. With today's busy lifestyles, developing a plan to maintain sanity is crucial. Although the website is for women, I can apply the information to myself!

Thanks,
Scott

[Altis Lo (Beaulife)]

Always perform 5P -- Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. I often discipline myself for not "fail to plan" or "plan to fail". Thanks for your great tips for sharing.

[Robin Wright]

Scott, I couldn't agree with you more. Life moves at such a fast pace and keeping lists is the only way I can keep up.

Altis Lo, I love the 5 P's. I'm going to post them near my desk.

[Carol B Wright]

I stopped my busy life to manage my teen daughter. Quite a shock for me after years of over the top work weeks.

I'm starting over, getting ready to reorganize and get out the door with a new business.
I remember being able to manage the house, my sales job, my kids and whatever else was thrown at me. Now that I have spent two years not multitasking to that level, it can be a daunting feeling thinking about going back to that schedule.

Reviewing simple working organizational skills gives me the incentive to take one step at a time and still keep "my time".

Great site, Robin!

[Marly]

Putting important things in priority makes life easy to handle. Planning and preparing ahead will ease time management.

Marly

[Robin Wright]

Thanks Carol. Balancing our many roles takes daily practice. This is even true for those of us are in the "grind" daily. Take each day as it comes and do remember to get yourself in some of the much deserved ME TIME.

Marly, having priorities is essential to deciding how we should approach living a balanced life. Preparation is key.