Helpful tips in balancing your life

1. Understand that there is more to life than just work. We also have to pay attention to our health, our finances, our family, our spirituality, our community, and other aspects of life that are important to us.

2. For each aspect that is important to you, list down descriptions of your present situation. List down what you are doing in excess or what you are neglecting and those crying out for your attention.

3. For each aspect, draw up an ideal situation. List down the results you want to see in each area. For instance, in your “Personal Finances” aspect, if you see that you have a P1 million debt, you might want a result like “reduction of debt to zero in five years.” You might list down “closer family relations” in your “Family” aspect. Be specific and don’t strive to be too grandiose. Sometimes, simple things that don’t cost you can put more balance in your life.

4. To achieve the results you want, list down under each result area the things that you have to stop doing, start doing, and continue doing. Write down what will increase your chances of achieving the results you want. List down practical things you can do that would not add tension on yourself. For instance, you can “take out children every Sunday” and you can do it after lunch. That way, you don’t have to spend much.

5. Review and revise these lists and keep a copy handy. Discuss the lists with your family and ask for support and advice. They might be able to suggest something that can help you achieve the balance you want. They will also understand the problem that you have.
Periodically, go back to your lists and see how you are doing. Of course, there will be compromises. You may need the support and understanding of other people to achieve your plans. Identify who these are and ask for their support.

Never attempt to neglect an important aspect of your life. Spend time for yourself as you spend time for others. Above all, never neglect your health — you’ll need it to achieve everything on your list.

If you do this right, you will reap the rewards of a more balanced life. As for me, I have narrowed down my key results areas to love, peace, and prosperity. I know what I want and how to get them. Whenever panic or stress comes knocking, I refer to my lists and say, “Sorry, my schedule is full. I don’t have time for panic or stress.”

Ernie O. Cecilia is the president and CEO of EC Business Solutions and Career Center, a human resource consulting firm. Send feedback to ernie_cecilia@yahoo.com.

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