“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” ~ Brian Tracy
LIFE BALANCE
How do we achieve balance in our lives? Many of us live in a life that is consumed by more activities, more demands, more commitments. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the amount of time we have. A day is still 24 hours long. A minute is still sixty seconds in length.
We choose how we use that time. We choose what our focus will be.
If we think about life balance as a life balance pyramid, we’ll see that the pyramid is made up of three distinct focus areas. Those areas are body, mind, and spirit.
Body is our physical body, and it’s needs. Mind is our mental/psychological/emotional needs. Spirit is where we find deep meaning in our lives, the beliefs we have of a higher power, or of something greater than ourselves.
Life balance is about balancing these three areas of our lives.
And we have to decide if the activities we are doing are in alignment with what this life balance pyramid means to us individually. For instance, if you are sitting down to watch your favorite television program, is this in alignment with your life balance pyramid? The answer is “it depends”. It is if this is what you need to give your mind a rest, or if this brings you relaxation. It is not, though, if you are doing this to avoid something else that would bring you into balance, or if this becomes excessive, leaving you little time to spend on other areas of your life.
While the base pyramid is the same for everyone, what really makes up these three areas — what’s underneath the surface — is a very personal pyramid. Determining what those things are that are underlying the main areas of body, mind, and spirit is a personal journey into “you”. Looking at life balance without looking deeply at what matters is what leads to balance that gets “out of whack”, balance that is jumbled up, balance that is backwards. So, the key then, is finding what it is that is most important in your life. And this requires a real look into ourselves, a deep introspection into who we really are.
Balance doesn’t mean that we are always devoting equal time to each of these areas. Balance means that we are aware of these areas, we are aware of their existence in our lives, we are giving each area the necessary devotion so that we feel our lives are balanced. Some days that will mean more emphasis on the needs of our body, other days more focus will be on our spiritual needs, and yet other days focus will be on our mind.
So, how does balance get backwards, or jumbled up? This happens when we are not focusing on the real needs of our bodies, minds, and spirits. When we focus too much of our time on activities that are not in alignment with what our body, mind, or spirit truly call for. And when our balance gets jumbled up, that’s when we begin to loose focus. That’s when we fall out of our element – out of what we were meant to do. We are creatures created to have a life of abundance. When our lives are not in balance, true abundance is missing.
A life of abundance and joy is possible. All it takes is balancing our body, mind, and spirit needs. Take the time to really determine what this means for you, and then live that out everyday. Make each twenty four hour day of your life be in alignment with what you desire. A life of balance is awaiting you!
Note: This article is my submission into the Life Balance Group Writing Project, created by Stacey from CreateABalance.com.
“When our lives are not in balance, true abundance is missing.”
truer words have never been spoken
meleah rebeccahs last blog post..Have You Seen My Words?
Lance,
I love your Pyramid analagy. I agree that at the base of Life Balance has to be our core values. If we don’t know what is guiding us, we won’t know what to balance. we will be all over the place. Great job.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Speaking From the Heart
I like how you say that these three are the top of the Pyramid and what’ underneath is up to each person to determine. It’s as if by getting these three in balance it should become clear to each of us what else goes in the Pyramid and how to balance those. Almost like these three–body, mind, and spirit–are the central gravity point.
Marelisas last blog post..Eradicating Poverty Through Human Ingenuity — Blog Action Day 2008
Yeah! Thank you so much for participating in the Life Balance Group Writing Project! I agree that “balance doesn’t mean that we are always devoting equal time to each” of our life balance needs. As you say, we only have so much time per day. It’s more about the awareness, our intentions, and our actions. It’s about appreciating the process and remaining focused.
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Introducing My Authentic Self
Great post on Life Balance, Lance. I find this to be very true. Another important exercise is to re-evaluate what our purpose (areas of focus) is maybe once per year. What was important 5 years ago may not be so important today. Remember, another constant besides hours in a day and seconds in a minute is change.
I like it, I haven’t thought of balancing my life in this way before. Thanks for the new perspective!
Munchkins and Musics last blog post..Music Memory Cards
This is what I need, Balance!
chriss last blog post..Opportunity Amidst Economic Distress
“Our lives are frittered away in details. Simplify. Simplify“
—-Henry David Thoreau
That’s one of the mottoes I’ve always lived by. If we don’t clutter our lives with too many activities and junk we have plenty of time to focus on what we really value.
Jean Browman–Transforming Stresss last blog post..Courage, Equanimity and Love
lovin’ the pyramid idea
Such a simple way to make you look at your life’s balance and reflect!
Annettes last blog post..Weekly Update/Flu Prevention
I love this pyramid approach to life balance. I think I’m doing pretty good with bosy and mind… still need to work on spirit.
Vered — MomGrinds last blog post..Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
@Meleah — Thank you Meleah. I do believe those words to be true…
@Wendi — Thank you! I too, think that we need to look at these three core areas and really determine what they mean for us.
@Marelisa — Yes, I like that way of looking at it. That these three areas are the “core”, and once we get a good handle on what these mean to us — then we can start filling in the details. And it’s in these details that our life will come into balance (or not). In the end, though, they are roll up to one of the three categories of body, mind, or spirit. Thanks for sharing that look into this Mare.
@Stacey/Create A Balance — Your welcome Stacey, but the thanks really go to you! You’re the one who came up with this great idea, and I’m honored to be included! I think it’s key that we realize that balance does not mean spending 1/3 of our waking moments in each of these three broad categories, but instead realizing that we just need to balance them over time. Life comes up, after all!
@Dave — A couple of great points Dave. First off, you’re right on that what used to be important may not be anymore — so doing some sort of regular evaluation is an excellent idea. And then, the other constant of change — again great insight as it relates to life balance. Change is constant, whether we like it or not. And that sure does affect the balance we have in our lives. Thanks so much for sharing those points Dave.
@Munchkins and Music — Glad to hear you found this useful — that’s what make writing this all worth it!
@Chris — Don’t we all — and sometime it can be quite elusive…
@Jean — Yes, that is something I agree with wholeheartedly. When we simplify our lives, we can much more easily get to the core of who we are. And that goes a long way toward achieving balance in our lives. Thanks for sharing the Thoreau quote Jean!
@Annette — Thanks Annette! It is simple, and yet it’s also difficult. It’s simple because there are only three main areas to focus on. But it’s difficult, because it’s not always easy to really dig deeply in these areas, and find out what it is that makes us who we are.
@Vered — Thanks for sharing your honest answer on where you’re at in this whole process. The thing is, I think we all can be better in all the areas, but like you said, there are usually one or two areas that we do better in than others. Thanks again, Vered, for sharing some insight into your own journey…
Lance, It dawned on me today that I’m lacking focus. I had it and I’ve lost it. It’s not surprising with all I’m doing and I’m not going to get all worked up over it. Progress is progress and I’m happy with that. The reason also dawned on me, and it’s what you and Jean have written about above.
I’m thinking of writing about this fairly soon but I need to collect my thoughts first.
Thanks Lance
Dave
Dave Fowlers last blog post..More Womens Work: Ironing
*whew* this is all a daily struggle for me.
the relationship piece with regards to my husband.
we are both so busy that even though we MAKE time it never feels like enough.….
MizFits last blog post..Tuesday Testdrive: MizFit’s Accidental Infomercial.
Hi Lance. Enjoyed! I appreciated how you mentioned that a day is still 24 hours. Ain’t it the truth that we keep trying to squeeze more and more into the same time slot. Finding what you value is key to letting go of what you don’t value and opening up some more of that space and time.
Davinas last blog post..25 Words That Connect Us — Frosty Sunrise
Lance you want me to be balanced even while I’m sleeping?
Seriously, it’s all about awareness isn’t it? No matter how frequently we practice this stuff, if we slip into a non-aware state then we become unaligned. Keep at it my friend. By writing deep stuff like this you have to practice what you preach.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..Leveraging Community
I have been working the past couple of years on getting my pyramid back in shape. With things in my life beating me down, I had lost my balance while trying to work on major issues in my family. Now that things are much better, I am hammering away at my pyramid to get it back in shape. I’ll think I have it back in shape and then something will happen that makes me realize it is still warped a bit. I’ll keep working on it though. I can keep reaching for a better life. I can keep working on me.
I like your personal pyramid about achieving life balance. To leave out one aspect, will mean living a life that is less full! I used to not nurture my spirit, thinking that it was a waste of time; but I now know the reason why I’ve felt so empty for years!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Can You Read My Mind?
@Dave — You’ll get there Dave. Focus is a key, and when you don’t have it, it becomes easy to slide off track. And just remember also, even in a nicely balanced life, everyone still has days that are all out of balance…
@MizFit — Sounds like our household. With three kids, a couple of jobs, and anything else that might come into play, time together as a couple can be bed (to sleep). Being aware is half the battle. Of course the other half isn’t easy by any means — finding time that doesn’t seem to exist…
@Davina — That’s right — finding time means giving up some of those things that don’t add value to your life. It can be hard to say “no” sometimes, but so important.
@Tom — OK, you can just sleep when your sleeping!! And yes, awareness is where it’s at. We have to be aware before we can do something about it (whatever “it” is). And yes, I know…I have to practice this! But I’m off to sleep now, and I’m going to give myself a pass for the next eight hours…
@Laurie — That’s all we can do Laurie, keep working at it. We’ll never achieve perfect balance, and that’s partially because we grow and change over time. And then the things that make up our pyramid change also. You’ve come a long way, and I think you’re doing a great job of getting your own personal pyramid in order.
@Evelyn — Yes, neglecting one area will lead to a life that is not fulfilled, and is out of balance. Spirit has probably been the hardest one for me as well, but I’m getting there. I’m glad to hear that by bringing these into alignment for you, the emptiness is going away. Thanks for sharing part of your personal journey Evelyn.
Hi Lance — it appears that due to Stacey, many of us have been doing a bit of balancing lately! Knowing who we really are is so important, isn’t it — all our life paths, and what we need to do to keep in balance, are so different. Great post!
Robins last blog post..Emotional Balance
Interesting post. Balance is a constant struggle for me but I never thought about it this way before. This is helpful… whenever I find myself in a dilemma, I always get caught in a downward spiral of indecision and self doubt. This post reminds me that I need to really think about where my actions fit into my needs… especially the spirit need, which all too often gets neglected!
monicas last blog post..Growing Oyster Mushrooms
Very nice, Lance. I like how you said about balance not necessarily being mandatory at all times. Some days, one or more of the areas needs our attention, and that’s okay. Personally, I feel that when I focus first on the spirit, it seems everything else falls in place. But the other two are also very important.
Pink Inks last blog post..Who Is This Man?
Lance — great way to look at balance. I agree — be in alignment with what you desire and remember, too, we all make choices. When I’m ok with my choices I automatically feel balanced. I’m doing exactly what I need and want to do.
Stacey’s project is interesting — I’m writing my post this morning, I’m excited to see how other people respond as we all have different thoughts!
Stacey Shipmans last blog post..The Changing Season: How to Weather the Economic Downturn
@Robin — Yes, Stacey is making many us really think about this (that’s great Stacey!). Knowing who we really are is a key ingredient to finding balance in our lives. Once we know who we are, we’ll then be able to focus on what matters to us…
@Monica — Indecision and self-doubt can really be a downward spiral. And that comes from us not knowing ourselves well enough. Or not will to be who we desire to be. I think we all go through some of this, so you’re not alone by any means. I’ve been there (indecision, self doubt), and I’ll be there again. But if I’m true to myself, then these are minimized. It’s a journey for all of us, and something that is never complete, as we’re always growing and changing. The more we can focus, though, on these three key areas of our life, the more we can make indecision and self doubt non issues. Thanks for sharing that Monica. You’ve really highlighted what many of us go through in dealing with balance in our lives.
@Pink Ink — That’s a great point about spirit, Jewel. And I think that our spirit is important because it really gets to who we are deep within our souls. Again, not that the other areas aren’t important as well. They are. Spirit is a hard one, and I think that’s because it’s not always something we can see. But so important, just as you’ve suggested. So, I think that’s awesome that you’ve made the spirit a priority in your life!
@Stacey Shipman — Being ok with our choices — very true. And I think being ok with those choices can really come from what we feel is important in our lives (in the three broad areas of body, mind, and spirit). Sometimes I think we stumble upon things that fit into that pyramid, by chance. Without trying. And that’s ok. However, I don’t think we’re going to figure it all out by chance. It will take active listening to ourselves to really know what those “things” are in life that lead us to feeling ok with our choices. My little expansion on your very wise words Stacey…
Great analogy Lance.…I always ponder after your reads. good stuff! Thanks!
Hi Lance– Great post and a wonderful submission to the project. I too. always have much to think about after your posts.
Hi Lance,
Love your take on this. I see a parallel with your perspective and mine — and to me that is great! I love how you have focussed internally while I have focussed externally .…
It is very fascinating to me. Thank you!
Mayas last blog post..Born Into Poverty : Blog Action Day 2008
Why does it seem so simple when I read it but if I try it, it doesn’t work? I need some kind of balance in my life or I think I might burst but I can’t seem to find the time to work on it! It’s a vicious circle of planning to try and do it and other things coming up in its way.
Jennys last blog post..Moments
Lance,
Just a quick post — and I have to be honest, I didn’t read this post. I’ve been meaning to come over and say hi, as I just put the dots together in my head and realized that you’re the Lance who took Authentic Business course with me! (http://www.delightfulwork.com/business-discovery-group/)
I believe I’ve been to your blog before, but I promise I’ll take a good look around one of these days. Seems like you got it going quite well, with dozens of comments on each post. Good for you!
ari
Ari Koinumas last blog post..What I Force My Children to Learn, or Not (Digest)
What a great submission Lance. Hey…I see you have Ari visiting above. He is another great guide for me. I am starting to see just how small this blog world is. Huge but small.
I think this is a awesome post. What a simple pyramid that we all make so complicated. Yes, there are only 24 hours in a day. I have finally learned that I will make my life balanced. Some things might roll over until the next day. That is OK. Baby steps.
This is so nice to come over and read your blog and all of the comments. We seem to be all on the same journey. Maybe different paths, but we are all working to find that spirit so that we can balance our body and mind.
Crickets last blog post..Grass Skirt
“Many of us live in a life that is consumed by more activities, more demands, more commitments. ” I couldn’t agree more!
I also wrote about my take on Life balance in my recent post.
Shamelle– TheEnhanceLifes last blog post..Overworked & Overwhelmed? Achieving Life Balance Amidst Chaos
Hi Lance — That’s my biggest problem-balance. I put so much on my plate and then wonder why I can’t get it all done in the span of a day. I’m learning to set priorities, track my time, and make better use of each hour. It’s helping.
Great post Lance. Right now my life is all out of balance. I need to focus and get myself back on track.
Rachels last blog post..Getting into the Groove of Running
Balance seems like a long ago dream. Now Im struggling just to keep up with life.
Suzies last blog post..13!!!!!!
@Mark — Thanks, and it’s good to hear this make you ponder…that’s success in my book!
@Audra — Thanks for the kind words — like I said to Mark, if what I write makes you think, then I feel I have been successful in my writing!
@Maya — That’s the thing, we can write two pieces that are very similar, and yet give really a different perspective. And that’s what makes this whole project quite cool, that we see life balance from so many different angles. And isn’t that great!
@Jenny — A vicious cycle — yes those words are very true. When we don’t make the time for finding balance, we get what we’ve always got (imbalance) — and still no time — and the cycle continues. Make it a priority in your life Jenny (again, easier said than done, and something I struggle with too — so these words are as much for me as they are for you). Make it a priority, and you can begin to break the cycle…
@Ari — You’ve put the dots together correctly! It’s great to see you around here — come back often! (and, yes — you have been here before).
@Cricket — That’s also one of the realizations I have made — the world seems smaller since I began blogging — it seems smaller because of people I know from all over the world — pretty amazing! You bring up something, Cricket — spirit. The more I think about it, spirit really is a foundation for us to build upon. It is, because it really does go to our core of who we are. And that’s an important aspect in this whole journey we’re each on.
@Shamelle — Thanks for stopping by, now I’ll have to go and see what you wrote — this is all very fascinating!
@Barbara — Good point, sometimes balance comes down to how much we have on our plates. It could all be the right stuff according to our pyramid, but just too much to give everything the attention it deserves. Thanks for sharing that point, it is such an important piece of this whole balance process — and something I missed above.
@Rachel — The first step is admitting where you need to make changes at, right! That’s a real step in the right direction Rachel.
@Suzie — Don’t give up on the dream Suzie — it’s attainable. It does seem like life can get in the way sometimes, but it’s still worth the fight to make it come to be.
Balance is hard to figure out. How much time to spend on each thing when there is so much time in the day?? I don’t have an answer…
FitMoms last blog post..Gone shoe shopping…
“All it takes is balancing our body, mind, and spirit needs. Take the time to really determine what this means for you, and then live that out everyday. ”
I am taking the time right now to figure THAT out.
meleah rebeccahs last blog post..My Progress Report. And Too Much Information.
Well said Lance. I think most everyone struggles with balance — at least sometimes. When I watch TV it is when I need to relax my mind or when my husband and I watch our favorite show together. I am not a big TV watcher and never have been.
Balance has so much to do with planning. It’s about determining ahead of time what is important and what will bring us contentment and sticking to it. If we stop and listen to ourselves we can typically figure it out.
I have a question for you.… Is business a sign of imbalance? (I think it depends on the person.)
Jennifers last blog post..It’s Your Choice….
It’s up to each individual to find that balance within ourselves. The problem that I have is when it’s in balance life is good, but it never lasts long. It takes a constant attention to readjusting.
We have to be willing to flex with each new sensation, idea, and interaction. Once we can make these adjustments quickly we can get back to balance as fast as we want.
Karl — Work Happy Nows last blog post..Procrastination Dissolve-o-Matic Program Review
Hi Lance,
I really like the way you described balance and the pyramid. We touched on similar points in that what is most important is first is discovering and acknowledging WHAT is important to you. Being conscious of those things and their importance will help keep you aligned and bring balance. I love your writing and am so glad I have been introduced to your blog! I’m away for the weekend but look forward to exploring it further when I return!
Gratefully, Jenny
@FitMom — It’s a balancing act just trying to figure out how to use our hours in each day. I see the key being to prioritize what is really important to you, and then “try” to do those things first. But I know also that it doesn’t always turn out that way…
@Meleah — You’ll get there Meleah, you’re doing the right thing by taking time to really figure this out. In the long run, you really are setting yourself up for success!
@Jennifer — Some things we can’t plan for, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan. If we’ve planned, like you’ve said Jennifer, we’re thinking about what is important to us. And that helps when we are faced with those moments that we can’t plan for — we have a better understanding of who we are — and that helps us to make choices even when we haven’t planned for them.
Your question Jennifer — is business a sign of imbalance? You’re challenging me today on this one! I’d say it can go either way (how’s that for a safe answer). Business is a sign of imbalance if the goals of the company are not in alignment with it employees, customers, and shareholders. And that is the case for many companies, and what leads to corruption, bankruptcies, and lack of employee or customer loyalty. However, there are great companies out there too, that get this stuff right — and when they do, I think they are in balance. And when they are in balance, they see satisfied employees and customers — which in turn leads to happy shareholders.
@Karl — Great point Karl. We can’t just do this once, think we’ve got it all figured out about our own personal balance, and then go happily along for the rest of our lives. It’s a constant re-evaluating where we are at in our lives — and making adjustments accordingly. Thanks for sharing that angle…
@Jenny Mannion — Yes, discovering what matters to us individually is a key to getting toward balance in our lives. What matters to me might not matter at all to you (and that’s perfectly ok) — so balance to me might not be balance to you at all. It really comes down to being a personal journey for everyone. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Lance — your use of a pyramid explained it well. I’ve read so many of these life balance articles today and I can see now that my balance is definitely jumbled. But at least everyone is showing me ways to sort it out.
I love your use of pyramid, and this is a beautiful post on life balance!
BC Doan´s last blog post..Life Lessons to Remember
@Cath — I think we all are a little jumbled up when it comes to balance, so you’re not alone at all Cath… The key for me is to just keep working at getting a little closer, one step at a time.
@BC Doan — Thank you!
Hi Lance!
Great article!
What you write about is so important for everyone and in all areas of one’s life. A balanced life leads to good health for example. Balanced health leads to a great overall feeling. Anyway one looks at it, balance of the three areas you mention are critical to live life blissfully.
I really like what you say about us being the decision makers in terms of what we spend our time on. This is why I think it is sad when people run around like crazy in life, complaining they have no time — but what are we choosing to spend our time on? That is the real question. Once one can assess that, I think a lot of things start looking clearer and balance has a chance to infiltrate our lives again.
Evita´s last blog post..Heroes of Healing: James Arthur Ray
Wow, this is all so true! I live a life of balance because I believe that I am someone who checks in, and checks up! I am always reevaluting my life, and wear and when I spend my time. It’s not so much about being well rounded as it is about being well…I think too many times we get lost in one area but at the same time sometimes we forget all three. I plan what I will do for all 24 hours making sure I carve out time for each area, I ussaly hit on all three but on days that I dont’ I KNOW IT!
bobbi´s last blog post..Cheerleaders do have more fun;)
What a wonderful reminder. The theory of naturopathic medicine supports health at the mind/body/spirit level and it really is all about balance. For optimal health and enjoyment from life we need to pay equal attention to all three.
Dr. Nicole Sundene´s last blog post..Editorial Note: The Kitchen Table is Popping!
@Evita — Right, WE have the choice on the decisions we make. If we’re making them for the reasons that matter most to us, then we’re doing these things for the right reasons. Sometimes I wonder how well I’m doing in this area…
@Bobbi — I think it’s fine if we “miss” some days. If, overall, we’re getting it, then that’s what it’s all about. And, Bobbi, it sounds like you are well-grounded, and really do focus on all of these areas — that’s great! I’m sure that helps in leading you down a journey of balance in your life!
@Dr. Nicole Sundene — For optimal health, yes, all three are important — and thanks for bringing up the word health. Health isn’t just our physical health — it’s our physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual health — essentially going along with the three areas of mind/body/spirit. A great reminder on what “healthy” means!
Lance, I was introduced a long time ago to H.A.L.T — when I am too:
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired
I halt what I’m doing and take care of that need immediately. In the years since, I’ve become aware of some other triggers, but these basic four still really work for me, as they address all three areas of the pyramid, individually or collectively. Using this, I’ve been able to bring balance into my life, and invariably, when I find myself out of balance, I can trace it back to one of these 4 culprits.
I don’t spend much time worrying about equal attention to the three areas, as I find life to be too much an ebb and flow kind of thing to expect that kind of ‘equality’ is even possible. In the big picture, they all get equal time and attention. In the day to day living of life, they take turns.
Suzanne Bird-Harris | vAssistant Services´s last blog post..Project Powerful and Positive
Suzanne, I love the idea behind the HALT approach — they DO relate so well to all the areas of the pyramid. And I agree, we can’t focus on giving everything equal attention, although sometimes we can neglect one or two of the areas in our life — and that’s when we need to re-prioritize what’s important to us. Thanks for sharing your perspective here!
It’s what I have referred to, all my life even before I was at all “aware,” as FOCUS.
Clem Gigliotti Jr. — Power On The Web´s last blog post..Understanding Ecommerce and Merchant Services
Clem — Yes, it really is about where our focus is. Great point Clem.
That is one way of looking at life. I like to think of balancing as Past-Present-Future. Accept the Past, Live in the Present, Hope for the Future.
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