Balance

 

Balance is one of the first things we achieve at the beginning of each and every day.  Without realizing it, you find balance as soon as you get out of bed.  As your body contorts reluctantly and transitions from bed to floor, you are looking to find balance.  So why is it that we often fail to continue to maintain balance throughout the day? Of course, there is a large difference between merely not tripping over ourselves and continually making conscious, balanced decisions throughout the day.  Or is there?

What does balance mean?  Much like success, balance means different things to different people.  After many years of trying to maintain a balanced lifestyle, I have linked being balanced to being true to yourself, your beliefs and what you are looking to achieve in your life.  Throughout the day, you will be challenged to make endless decisions.  What to eat? What to wear? What to say? How to say it?  Who to say it to?  Do I high five or just shake hands?  Maybe hug?  Too soon?  Apologize? All of these decisions will amount to various results.  That is why we must be conscious of the decisions we make throughout each day.  We must also ensure the outcome of each decision aligns with our intentions. 

For example, if you are trying to lose weight, perhaps a hearty stack of buttermilk pancakes with fresh creamery butter and pure Canadian maple syrup is not the best option (although probably the tastiest).  Instead, perhaps some sprouted grain bread with home made guacamole and a farm-raised poached egg would be the better option?  Especially when you pair it with a fresh, wild-blueberry smoothie with Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder and some organic honey.  Now that is a different food blog altogether. My point is, ensure that your decisions line up with your goals.  Every time we are required to make a decision it is an opportunity to come closer to or remain farther away from our goals.  If your goal is to buy a home, then you will want to save for a down payment, closing costs, furniture and perhaps some money for renovations.  If you go to a store and see an amazingly unique Ermenegildo Zegna single-breasted, Euro-fit, two-piece suit with hand stitching around the lapel, is purchasing that suit (or two) bringing you closer or farther away from purchasing a home?  The answer is obvious, although you will look really good in your apartment or parent’s basement.

Decisions are the foundation on which our future is built.  Every decision we make has a direct effect on our lives and those that we choose to surround ourselves with. The direct effect of your actions and attitude will impact others.  Not only are you capable of changing your day, you can also influence everyone around you.  As profound as it sounds, your actions have an undisguised effect on other people’s day.  Your actions throughout the day are similar to a pebble in calm water.  As small as your gestures seem to you in the moment, the ripple effect becomes larger and more exaggerated.

Every morning I wake up with a smile on my face.  As soon as I wake up, I’m already ahead of the game.  By smiling, I set the course of my day from the very beginning.    Here is some advice to maintain balance throughout your day:

1.     Start right.  When you wake up, make the conscious effort to stay positive and in balance.  There are so many obstacles that morning provides.  Darkness, sleepiness, perhaps the temperature.  Your reactions to these hurdles will create the path of the rest of your day.  Start positive. Stay positive.  You may trip over some stuff, bang into a wall or two.  Chances are, no one saw you, so it’s ok.  Get over it.

2.     Be grateful.  Take a moment to think about the things and people that you are fortunate enough to have in your life.  It doesn’t have to be out loud, just think about the people and things that you look forward to everyday.

3.     Take your time.  Before you answer a question, greet someone or make a phone call.  Take a second and think about the best way to handle the situation.  It is better to take longer to answer someone then to spout off a quick response that you may regret later.  People often respect the time you take to assess the situation rather than the quickest response.

4.     Don’t sweat the small stuff.  If you make an effort to be the best person you can be, everything will work out the way it is supposed to.  If you make a mistake, it is an opportunity to learn.  So learn and move on.

5.     Seek out and pursue opportunities to help others.  There are many adages about giving back.  Albert Einstein once said: "It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it."  To me, a great sense of accomplishment washes over me after helping someone.  Whether it is opening a door, helping someone with groceries or carrying a hot water cooler to helping someone learn a new craft or skill.  Give back.  Give often. To follow one great quote with another: "No one has ever become poor by giving." Anne Frank.

Now you have the tools to embark upon and maintain a balanced day.  All you have to do is practice.  There is no time like the present.

Thank you for investing your valuable time and visiting the Individual Catalyst.  Wishing you another awesome day!