Balance is essential for personal and professional growth. It enhances every important aspect of life.

In the words of Josephine Rathbone, "If we could learn how to balance rest against effort, calmness against strain, quiet against turmoil, we would assure ourselves of joy in living and psychological health for life."

However, anyone with a hectic schedule and many responsibilities will agree that achieving balance is not as simple as wishing for it. It requires a plan.

Begin with Your Priorities

When seeking balance, we begin by asking, "What is most important at this time, and what needs to change?" The key is to make an intentional choice for a more balanced life, first by looking at what could be possible. When we are in balance, we feel as though we have that choice, that we are in "the driver's seat", and we can choose to see from new perspectives.

Some folks prefer "living in the fast lane", enjoying the most active life possible. Others are at the point where they want to slow the pace, perhaps dedicate more time to their family, a personal calling, or life-long dream. Balance is unique for each individual.

We often talk about total-life balance: giving adequate attention to major life areas such as wellness, recreation, family, spirituality, and work. The balance Josephine Rathbone spoke of--rest against effort, calmness against strain, and quiet against turmoilis found everywhere in nature. It is essential for life to thrive, a life-giving balance. It is a balance concept that one can put to use immediately.

Balance Effort with Rest

We must make adequate effort toward our goals. However, without rest, we eventually loose progress and all life areas suffer. Likewise, someone who spends a long period of time not making any effort loses all sense of relaxation and begins to feel a sense of emptiness.

Give your goals all you've got today. Enjoy the sense of satisfaction that your efforts will bring to you. Then, after a period of effort, enjoy a moment of peace and relaxation. Before long, you'll experience renewed energy and begin to receive new creative ideas and possibilities.

You will find that more life balance will result in more motivation, energy, and fulfillment. Best of all, it will increase your sense of happiness.