Balance

“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”

– Jana Kingsford

Welcome to the first edition of my new blog series, #SincereThoughts. Based on my marketing background, I realize I have a tendency to write posts in a way that is meant to attract – following all the rules laid out by the search gods. But, I want to keep things sincere, and candid at times. 

Sit back, relax and get comfortable. Today we are going to talk about maintaining balance.

Balance has been on my mind a lot lately. Especially as I juggled settling into a new city, new job, managing multiple freelance projects and simply life. It was starting to feel like the days were moving by quickly and my list of things to do was growing and growing.

It was starting to feel like I was going non-stop without a chance to breathe.

I started to realize I was lacking balance in my life. I was taking on so many things without weighing if it was something I could handle, or should be. Leading to not taking a break or really taking time for myself.

I had to take a step back to reassess everything, something I wish I did sooner. I had to consider what my goals were and how I wanted my life to be, and more importantly how my life-balance should be. We always hear the term work-life balance but it applies to things outside your 9-to-5 as well. Family-life balance, finance-life balance, side hustle-life balance. All of it.

I realized I was taking on a lot. And, it’s not that I couldn’t handle it. But, I felt myself not giving 100% to everything I touched. I was meeting deadlines and checking things off the list but I wasn’t giving it my all like I could have. If I incorporated better balance, there would be no doubt of the quality I could produce.

It’s okay to say no to protect your peace. It’s okay to take time out for yourself. Don’t feel guilty for taking a break. Find the balance that works for you. I started using a planner more to outline what I need to do, what goal or objective it relates to and why. In my planner (thank goodness for planner apps for my iPad), I get a full view of my to-do list and schedule – after merging 3 different calendars for work, freelance and life.

This planner has become my holy grail, but it helps me determine if I have enough balance. If my list is growing and my schedule is packed, something is wrong. You can get things done and achieve your goals without feeling overwhelmed.

So, I challenge you to find your balance. If that means you create a hard stop time to stop working (whether that’s work-work, side-hustle work, or passion projects), set that time aside for yourself. Develop a habit that lets you see the full view of what’s happening or will happen in your life. Most importantly, don’t forget to relax and unwind. Give your mind a chance to recharge.

How do you incorporate or maintain balance in your life? Comment below!