3 Steps to Greater Balance in Your Day

Remember playing on a teeter-totter when you were a kid? If you were bigger than your playmate you had to move forward in order to gain balance. Later in science class, you learned that a larger weight a shorter distance from the fulcrum equates to a lighter weight a longer distance from it. Do you realize that life works the same way?

Recently I was listening to a Michael Hyatt podcast on balancing work and life. He suggested that rather than balance, priority management is the issue because we cannot put equal effort into all things. He misses the point. All activities do not require equal amounts of concentration and effort.

To keep your life in balance you need to maintain a proper mix of tasks. Create a blend so some can be accomplished with relatively short bursts of focused energy (large weight – short distance) while others take longer but do not require such intense focus (light weight – long distance).

For example, when I write a blog post I give myself 70 minutes for writing and editing. I immerse myself, shutting out all possible distractions. But when I work out, I intersperse my exercises with other tasks like checking email that do not require my undivided attention. Running is a time to let my mind wander and generate ideas.

The same concept applies to your life. Short term goals require greater intensity, medium term goals less so, and long-term goals can initially be pursued at a relaxed pace. Here are the steps for balancing your day:

1. Write down what you need to accomplish in the coming week or month. I keep a running list and revise it each Sunday.


2. Categorize the week’s tasks as heavy, medium, and light weight, keeping in mind that the deadline by which it has to be done may impact its weight.


3. Plan your day the night before or first thing in the morning, making sure to schedule a mix of tasks.

Question – What techniques do you use to bring more balance to your life? Please respond below.