It’s easy to assume that the more we do, the more successful we are –but the fact is, this simply isn’t true.
Being busy doesn’t automatically equate to being more productive –or successful. It’s easy to busy ourselves, and for life to creep in and fill up all of our time. Before we know it, we’re busy –running in circles with no time for anything else –but strangely, we’re not going anywhere.
Busyness –and even productivity, if left unchecked, can lead to burnout. If every aspect of our lives isn’t balanced, and we’re spending too much of our time on any one area, we’ll be left feeling overwhelmed, guilty, frustrated, and stuck.
If you, like many people today, are feeling overwhelmed, overly busy –like you’re constantly spinning your wheels –you’re not alone. Most of us feel like this from time to time.
The good news though, is that it is possible to find balance –no matter how busy, or overwhelmed you may be. The secret is acknowledging that balance is important –and actively seeking ways to balance out your life. Often, this involves working hard to make time, and telling yourself that you matter –enough to take this time for yourself. Here’s how you can create balance –to achieve success.
Set Goals
Setting clear goals is the first step towards success. Determine which things are important to you, keeping your values in mind. This will help you to know where you should commit your time, allowing you to divide your time up better –helping you to achieve balance.
Plan Ahead
If you don’t know where you are going –how will you know where to go, or when you get there? If you don’t have a battle plan, everything else will encroach on your time and before you know it, you’ll have be overscheduled, overstressed, and overworked –without actually making any progress! Plan your day out with your goals in mind, and make sure you have a plan for balance.
Make Time
For most of us, our lives are filled to the brim. There’s simply no time for anything else. This is why it’s important to make time to balance your life. You can’t add water to a glass that’s already full –instead, you have to eliminate some of the water in the cup first to make room. With time, the same principle applies. It’s important to take a look at your life, and find areas that you can cut back –you don’t have to shop three times a week, for example, you could have your groceries delivered. Carve out time every week for important things that you feel are being left undone –and stick to it.
Learn to Say No
“No” is one of the most challenging things to say –yet learning to say no can be extremely empowering. If you’re presented with a task that isn’t in line with your goals, something that you need to do, or a cause that’s important to you –consider saying no. Don’t say yes just because you feel bad –and don’t make excuses, carefully consider the opportunity before agreeing to it –there’s nothing wrong with saying, “Sorry, it just won’t work for me right now.”
Find a Mentor
A great way to stay on track is by finding a mentor. Finding a great mentor can to help keep you accountable. A mentor can also offer valuable wisdom along the way and is a great way to help you on towards success.
Unplug
Unplugging from electronics is a great way to give your mind a rest as well as free up some extra time. It’s also a refreshing way to spend some quality time with your friends or family. Turn off the TV, put down your phone, and close up your computer. Relax –it will still be there when you are done. Take some time to reconnect with those around you –you might just be surprised at how refreshed you feel at the end!
Take Time Out
Finally, to prevent burnout, be sure to take time for yourself. While taking time for yourself is one of the hardest things to do, it’s important –and necessary for lowering stress, and preventing burnout. Take some time to be quiet, spend time alone, sketch or draw, or even walk –whatever it takes to refresh and recharge your batteries. It’s the best way to let your mind go, and will help you to shift your focus onto important things. You may even find that some of your best ideas come to you this way.
While achieving balance in life can be difficult, it’s vitally important for your health and overall wellbeing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take time to step back, and evaluate your situation objectively –looking for areas that may need to be balanced. Achieving a balance will help you to feel less stressed, more focused –and more in control of your life.
How do you find balance?