Is Balance Possible?
I spent over fifteen years of my childhood dancing and even with years of training I still was terrible at balancing. To be fair in that situation I was being taught how not to fall flat on my face, however when I think of my struggles balancing responsibilities as an adult it doesn’t feel much different. At times I have to wonder is it even possible? How does everyone around me look like they have a handle on everything and I always feel like I’m drowning?
A smart person would say, it’s not possible. That everyone is struggling equally however I’d argue that. Some people, like me just take on more then they can handle. As a 38… no wait 39 year old… maybe it is 38… I still haven’t mastered the word no. If someone asks me to do something I do it. Rarely do I say, sorry I can’t. In fact what makes it even worse is I often offer to do more then is asked of me, due to my insane need to please everyone around me. (More on that at a later date)
Right now the top thing on my “To Do” list is to make a “To Do” list. I like most people have a family to take care of, a day job to do well at and a side gig that I love. So prioritizing what I need to accomplish each day is key. Below is a list of things I have found helpful, but I’d love to hear what works for you. Let’s band together and figure out a way to make this thing called life work.
- Make a List – Okay I joke when I say it’s on my to do list but it is. If I don’t take time to write down the 972 things in my head I will feel too overwhelmed to get anything done.
- Share the List – Yep, you heard me! Share it with someone who can help. Maybe you can delegate some tasks, maybe it’s just sharing it with your spouse so he doesn’t ask you to make him a turkey sandwich when you are doing those 972 things.
- Block Scheduling- I’m really good at this with my day job but I’m terrible applying it to my home life. It’s something I will definitely be working on in the future. Here is some additional information on Block Scheduling from Jordan Page that could help you too: The Block Schedule System. I adore her and most of her videos are extremely helpful and entertaining.
- Get to Work- The amount of things that need to be done can be so overwhelming that you don’t know where to begin. I start with smaller tasks first to build some momentum. It works well for me because I love crossing things off my list! Give it a try.
At the end of the day I would be kidding myself to think those around me aren’t struggling with the balancing act as much as I am. Many days it just takes a minute to remind myself that I’m not alone and it’s okay to be overwhelmed once in a while.
What do you do to keep your life in order? Any tips or tricks you can share? Comment below and let us know!
Happy Reading.
-Nikki Rome