Making Balance Happen

Lately I have been trying to help clients develop strategies to have a happier and more balanced life.  We have been using a very simple exercise that will help you should you wish to do the same thing.

On a blank sheet of paper:

1. Draw a circle in the middle and write ME in the middle of it.
2. Then draw eight lines equally distant from each other outward from the center circle.
3. At the end of each line, draw a circle.
4. Begin labelling each of the outer circles with one of the following words: Physical, Mental, Relational, Spiritual, Financial, Emotional, Educational, Economical.
5. Now take your time to think about each topic, writing things that you have done, are doing or want to do in the future around the circle you are examining.
6. It won’t take long until you realize which areas are being neglected or preventing balance in your life.
7. Now start setting goals.

When I ask clients to do exercises, I also ensure that I have done them myself.

This month, because of the exercise, I decided that I need to add some things into my own routine in order to be more balanced.  For example, I have studied French in spirts for years but, although my skills have increased, I want to be confidently fluent and speak the language beautifully.  I therefore searched for and have found a teacher with years of experience to help me with this desire.

I have not been very athletic for years but recently have begun walking more.  I have also asked a very good friend if he would teach me how to shoot pool and we are starting this tonight!  I am meeting and talking more with positive friends who are fun and supportive.  In addition, I have been streamlining my financial and business practices for efficiency and convenience.

Finally, I realized that since I moved to Calgary, I have not been involved with boards and committees so am now reaching out to offer help with military and Veteran organizations.

If you are struggling with boredom, feelings of overwhelm or balance problems, why not try this exercise?  It doesn’t take very long to do and will quickly put things in perspective for you.

As I have mentioned many times before, when you are just thinking about things, ideas go around and around in your head but when you write them down there is a beginning and an end.  Also, clarity occurs when you can actually see your life on paper!

It’s very much like having a bumpy ride in your vehicle.  You get out and walk around the car only to realize that you have a flat tire.  Now you can do something about it to ensure a smoother ride in the future.  The only difference is that life has more than four tires!