Continued from page 1
STOP COMPROMISING
Yes, compromise can be necessary. But most of us compromise what we want far too often and it leaves us resentful, restless, unfulfilled and out of balance. Look at those places where you recognize those feelings and root out
compromise you are making. Are you staying in a dead end job because of money when you’d rather be doing something more fulfilling? Are you taking on more than your share of household tasks so someone else (kids, spouse) can do what they enjoy? Look at each of these situations and identify choice you are making. Compromising yourself or your values is a choice. You can start looking for solutions or continue compromise…the choice is yours.
FIX THE SOURCE
Oftentimes we blame our circumstances for our sense of imbalance--the job we have, people we work with, our financial needs, family obligation, etc. But, our imbalance can also come from within us. The choices we make, beliefs we hold, and situations we accept all contribute to our sense of being “out of balance”. Take time to think about this question: What one thing, if changed or eliminated, would make biggest difference in your life starting today? Once you have an answer, brainstorm at least 12 ways you could make that happen. Only after you have identified 12 possible solutions, may you begin to think about which to pursue, given realities of your situation.
Work-life balance might seem like answer in short run, but over long term only way to have a sustainable, and nearly effortless inner balance is by integrating your life rather than compartmentalizing it. If you are ready to find your natural balance, start here:
3-2-1 ACTION
Write down your top 3 values and think about how your life expresses those today. How would your ideal week, month or year look if those values drove your actions and goals?
Identify 2 compromises you continue to make that contribute to your feelings of imbalance. Decide to make a different choice or find a solution for each situation.
Resolve to fix 1 cause of your imbalance before day is done.
Shawn is a Career and Business Coach and owner of Succeed Coaching and Development, located in Metro Detroit Michigan. She has over 15 years experience in supporting people to have more productive and fulfilling work-lives and work-places. To learn more visit www.succeedcoaching.com.
