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Networking Article from Networking Today Canada, Nat'l

Life Balance: A Few Ways To Achieve More Balance More Often

Author: Karen Susman

Date: May 2011

Here are 19 ways to get more in balance. Why "more" in balance? Because there is only momentary balance. We go from in balance to out of balance in a flash. If you're seeking perfect balance, give yourself a break. In fact, that's a tip. Here are eighteen more aids to increased balance.

Establish more order in your life.
Find the humor in life situations.
Learn to say, "NO" with grace. In fact, soften your "No" with a "Thanks for asking me."
Say, "YES" to the opportunities of life.
Jot down your values and prioritize them.
Base decisions on your time and attention on your values.
Compare how you actually spend your time to how you want to spend your time.
Rebalance over, over, and over again.
Accept that you'll never get it all done.
Determine when perfect matters (hardly ever) and when good enough is good enough.
Write down all the roles you take on and all the tasks associated with each role.
Prioritize your roles. Prioritize the tasks within those roles.
Decide if your roles and the resultant tasks are realistic, rational, appropriate and current. For instance, one of your roles may be as a parent. An appropriate task for parenting a two year old is not appropriate for parenting a fifteen year old. Redefine and update your roles and tasks.
Don't take on roles or tasks that aren't yours to take on. Have boundaries and give up the idea that only you know how to do things well and right. Your ego will wail. Just pat it on its head and tell it all is well.
Discuss your needs with others and ask for help. Negotiate your roles and tasks.
Simplify. If you buy packaged salad greens, you'll still be a good host. If you spend less time selecting the perfect gift for someone, you're still a good person. If you usually write a ten-page holiday letter, two pages will be good enough. Everyone will thank you for that.
Multi-task in a good way. Take your child, spouse, friend or co-worker on a walk with you. This can make for the most relaxed conversation.
Be present. If you're at work, keep your mind on work and the people around you. If you are with your family, turn off your cell phone. Don't text. Act as if this is the last time you'll ever have a chance to be with them.

Being more in balance is a wrestling match with your mind and all the "shoulds" that reside there. The striving for balance is a luxury that only a few indulge in globally. In countries where survival is priority one, no one is trying to get in more time for tennis. Be as clear about your values and priorities as if you were in survival mode. (Actually, you are.) Make decisions on your time and commitments from there.

Karen Susman is a Speaker, Trainer, Coach, and Author of 102 Top Dog Networking Secrets. Karen works with organizations that want to maximize performance. Programs include Humour at Work; Balance In Life; Networking Skills; Presentation Skills; and Building Community Involvement. Order new guidebooks on humour, networking, time management, and community involvement by calling or email Karen@KarenSusman.com. www.KarenSusman.com

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