How do you achieve balance in your life?

Today, I want to talk about balance, which is something I have needed to find lately! Do you ever try to take on something new and realize that maybe you’ve stretched too far out of your comfort zone to the point of discomfort? That’s what happened to me lately. So my question for myself has been, how do I say “yes” to what my heart calls me to do while at the same time keeping all the other balls in the air? Here’s what I have learned, and I thought I’d share it with you.

• Do you really, really want to say “yes”? Make sure that if you are adding something new into the mix that you are passionate about spending the time on it. For example, if someone asks you to be on a board of a local nonprofit, and you’d really rather spend your Wednesday evening with your family, then a “no” is a better answer than a “yes.” Question: Is this new thing really worth YOUR time, effort and energy?
• What can you say “no” to so that you can it in? As much as I wish I had an extra eight hours a day, the fact is there are only 24 hours for each of us. If we add on something new, something else we are spending time on will have to fall by the wayside. The first thing I try to eliminate is frivolous uses of time: watching TV, scrolling through Facebook posts or mindless chats on the phone with friends. The next line of time management isn’t so easy. Maybe you have to give up your social night out, your time-consuming hobby or an immaculate house. Question: What can YOU say “no” to so that you can free up some time for something new?
• What can you get help with? I have a full-time, demanding job in addition to the work I do on the side as an author and host a radio show. I was falling drastically behind on my “side work” because of my day job demands. My early mornings were no longer a time I could count on. I might have to catch a flight, participate in a East Coast call or work on a proposal early in the morning. My solution? I have hired a virtual assistant to help me keep up with Twitter posts, scheduling my radio shows and putting together this newsletter. Question: What can YOU get thelp with, either by hiring someone or asking for help from a family member?

This list is by no means complete, but I wanted to share with you some questions that have helped me change from discomfort to a bit uncomfortable. Most importantly, remember, that life is all about stretching and growing ourselves as individuals. As we learn to take on a new task, responsibility or passion, there are bound to be times when we doubt that we can do it. But remember, it will all be worth it if your passion is there.