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The solution to the problem I've often heard is
to have "work-life balance." I understand the intent, but
striving for balance hasn't worked for me. The idea of balance
is that I evenly divide up my time and energy for every area of
my life, like a see-saw with a whole bunch of sides to it with
equal weights. But, my life isn't divided up evenly, nor do I
think it should be. Right now for example, to grow my business
takes a better chunk of my time than, let's say, making dinner,
working out, or taking care of pets.
I say forget "balance". Strive for sanity
instead! Sanity is feeling at the end of everyday feeling
internally satisfied that you used your time and energy on
what's most important to you. Here are seven secrets to getting
there.
Secret #1 is Know What You Want
Be clear about who and what's important to you.
Then make choices to support your decision. If you don't know
what I want, there will always be someone who will try to
determine it for you.
Secret #2 is Say "No" Without Apology
When you're saying "no" to what you don't want
you're saying "yes" to what you do want. Saying no doesn't mean
you're being mean or hurting someone else. It means you're
taking care of yourself and, often, those you most care about.
That's something we should never apologize for!
Secret #3 is Focus on What's Going Right
Focusing your attention on those things that are
working and helping you feel good about yourself gives you the
necessary self-esteem and staying power for dealing with
difficult situations and creating sanity.
Secret #4 is Stay Away From Whiners
Life is too short and requires too much of us to
be spending lots of time with people or in situations that don't
cheer us on to the best we can be and go for our dreams.
Secret #5 is Get Someone Else to Do It
You really don't have to do it all! Get someone
to do the things in your life that really can be done by someone
else.
Secret #6 is Take Care of You and You and You
Take care of all of you – the physical you, the
emotional you, the mental you, the social you, and the spiritual
you. Taking care of yourself gives you staying power. You're not
only worth it; you are the only you you've got.
Secret #7 is Be Serious About Not Being So
Serious
Don't miss the fun along the way. Be playful!
Laugh as much as possible and find the humor that's begging to
be discovered. The demands of your fast, full life temporarily
melt away.
Copyright (c) 2006 Mary Foley
During a successful, demanding, rising through
the ranks 10 year career with America Online Mary learned that
the only way to thrive in today’s world is to be bold, positive,
and courageous – bodacious! Today Mary inspires women everywhere
to be bodacious in their lives, careers and businesses. You can
be inspired, too! Get a free copy of Mary’s e-book “How to Be
Courageously in Charge of Your Life and Lovin’ It!” at
http://www.gobodacious.com!
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