A Balanced Life

The Skinny on Willpower

For as long as I can remember I have always been an avid reader.  Recently I just finished a wonderful read entitled, The Skinny on Willpower, How to Develop Self-Discipline  by Jim Randel.  This was a thought provoking book that was entertaining and straight to the point.  In fact, being concise is the basis for the entire Skinny On.. book series.

In my opinion, this is one of the best self-help books I have read in a really long time.  As with many of you, my days can be very busy.  So, I have to ensure I am spending my time productively.  This book was designed for those of us who are cautiously managing our time.  Jim Randel doesn't beat around the bush.  He gets straight to the point and gives his readers information on steps they can take to increase their self-discipline.

The information is also captivating and entertaining.  I was interested to see how Billy and Beth (the couple in the book) implemented the steps outlined to strengthen their willpower muscle and becomeself-disciplined.  Both characters provided realistic accounts of how to implement the steps to increase willpower. The writing in the book captivated my attention from the first to the last page.

I am going to recommend this book to my family, friend and clients.  I have also shared it with my daughter who is a senior in high school (perfect timing).  Jim Randel has several other topics in the Skinny On book series.  Check out The Skinny On for more information on this and other books in this series.  I hope you find the information as useful as I did. 

Look Forward

There can be times in our lives we look back and think about missed opportunities.  I know I can think of countless times when I said to myself, "I should have.....", "Why didn't I go...." or Why didn't I say..."  We have all heard the old saying that hind sight is 20/20.  However, instead of focusing on the past what we  should concentrate our energy on the present.

One element to leading a successful life is to focus on today and the future.  We have to stop looking backwards and wishing that we can change things.  Sometimes we devote a lot of energy beating ourselves up and let regret eat us up on the inside.  Yes, there are things that I wish I hadn't said or done. However, I can't take the past back.  With that being said, there are things that I can do:

• I can ask for forgiveness if I have offended or disappointed someone

• I can forgive others for things that may have offended or disappointed me

• I can forgive myself for past mistakes or lapses in my judgment

• Prepare myself for the endless possibilities and opportunities that life presents me

Instead of concentrating on the should da, could da, and would da's, we should keep looking forward.  The past should be used as a learning instrument that keeps us from making the same mistakes.  Stop  looking back!  If there is an aspect in our lives that need to be tweaked or changed, then we need to change it. We have to exercise our willpower to make necessary adjustments in our lives.  We have to KEEP LOOKING FORWARD!

Get off the Rollercoaster

Striving to live a balance life is something that I have to purposefully do each day.  I am what you would call a self diagnosed workaholic.  If left unchecked, I would have the tendency to work long hours and thoroughly enjoy it.  However, camping out in my office is contrary to living a balanced life.

To help me keep things balanced I get I take time off the roller- coaster. Periodically I take some time off from work to recharge my batteries.  There are times when I take a whole week and then there are times when I just take a long weekend. The length of time I take off depends on my overall schedule.  What is unique about this time is that I don't really have anything scheduled.  Just knowing that I don't have to stick to a rigid schedule feels amazing.

This time off does wonders in assisting me to maintain work life balance.  This time allows to get organized, focused and rested. I use this time to get to some tasks that I normally don't have time for in my daily schedule.  For instance, I am off of work this week. So far I have cleaned out my linen closet and cleaned my desk. This time has been productive around the house.  However, I have got in some much needed rest and I am relaxed and rejuvenated.

I understand that not everyone can take off a week at a time.  The length of time isn't important.  What is important is to make sure that every now and then we get off of the roller-coaster and rest.  Schedule a day to sleep in late or take a luxurious bubble bath.  As busy women was have to make it a priority to carve out some down time.  You deserve it.

Back to School Plan

August signifies that summer is coming to an end and it's time for the kids to go back to school.  Coming up a Back to School Plan is a great way to ensure that one feels a sense of balance during this busy time.  It also helps to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.  A little planning and preparation can make the transition from summer to school a pleasant one.

Many kids enjoy going school shopping.  For some, school shopping rates up there next to Christmas.  Before hitting the mall purge through the kids dresser drawers and closets.  Have them help you pack up any articles of clothing that no longer fit or those things that are "out of style." You can also have them go with you to donate these items to local charity.  Since you have the kids in the purging mood, go ahead and have them clean out their rooms.  It's a good idea to pull out those hidden treasures under their bed and in their closets.  Giving their room a clean sweep can give them a sense of having a clean slate.

In the midst of purging, make a list of those things you need to purchase before going to the store.  Remember to include those all important essential items such as socks, etc. Having this list will assist in giving you a sense of direction and will cut down on the amount of time that is spent wandering around the mall.

One Step at a Time

Realizing that our lives need balance is actually the easy part of establishing a balanced lifestyle. The hard work begins when we start to put steps into place to actually achieve a life of balance.  One thing that is important for us to remember is that we shouldn't try to implement too many changes to our unbalanced lifestyles at once.  Instead focus on achieveing the personal goals  you developed for yourself in regards to balance. Practice ahieving these goals each day. 

It is so critical for us to be patient with ourselves when we are striving for a balanced lifestyle.  Come up with your balance plan and stick to it. There may be days when you don't feel as balanced as others.  However, don't let this discourage you.  Keep pressing forward.

Remember that balance may look and feel different at different times in your life.  There may be times when you are busier in office than others.  There also may be times when your personal life may be busier.  That's ok.  Make adjustments to your schedule as needed. 

Life is such a gift.  We were not intended to live a life that if frazzled, stressed and overwhelmed.  It is important that we live and manage our lives instead of our life managing us. Living a balanced life is a process and a journey.  Enjoy each and every step you take.