Finding a balance might be one of the most relatable aspects of leadership struggle, even for those who are not currently in a position to lead. In Leadership and the Art of Struggle, I primarily focused on the struggle to find balance in leadership, but most of us can identify with trying to find balance outside of the office as well.
Walk into any bookstore and you will find shelves of books claiming to help bring balance to your life. Pose a question on Twitter about how to find a balance between having it all and feeling overwhelmed, and chances are, most responders will say they’re just trying to keep their head above water.
Whether you struggle with leadership balance, or finding a happy medium between having a successful career and a fulfilling personal life, the first step anyone must take is acknowledging an awareness of being out-of-balance. Until you accept that something is wrong, you will continue making the same choices and taking the same actions that caused the original issue.
If you do not make adjustments and acknowledge a lack of balance, burnout is just around the corner. While you’re charging ahead with your vision, there’s a strong possibility that you are leaving a wake of chaos and destruction. Don’t wait to make changes until your colleagues start resigning or your family goes on vacation without you, pay attention to the warning signs.
Every day can bring difficult choices about balance, but ultimately you must decide how much energy you want to devote to building your career and your business, and how much time you want to spend with your family and friends, serving the larger community. Your balance point should be the result of a conscientious decision that’s based on what’s best for you, your family, and your career.
With the help of a partner, friend, or counselor, create a list of your priorities. Once you have a visual reminder of what you have deemed to be important, make your work and home life fit within the guidelines of your priority list. Practice being mindful, and remember to focus on being, rather than doing. These first steps will go a long way in helping you regain your balance, both at home and in the workplace.
(photo credit: winifredxoxo)
