Balance Does Not Exist.

Sometime in the mid-19th century, we started talking about a concept called the ‘work – leisure dichotomy’. Despite the concept’s early introduction, it wasn’t until 1986 that mainstream culture started to talk more openly, and perhaps disparagingly, about this concept just under a different term: work-life balance.

Almost immediately upon entering mainstream culture and conversation, the concept of work-life balance – that shifting of emotional weight between a person’s professional life and personal life – shifted out of balance. That shift was initiated by technological advances. Suddenly, we were connected more easily 24/7; but that ease blurred the boundary between work and personal life. As that work-life conflict intensified through the 1990s’ and 2000’s, so did our fixation on the idea that finding the right work-life balance was the ultimate solution.

In nature, perfect balance occurs only twice a year– the spring and fall equinox. On these two days, day and night are exactly the same lengths – 12 hours. Outside of these two days a year, nature must rely not on a concept of balance, but on her own pace and rhythm. Nature does this to survive and thrive; now, we must do the same.

Stop trying to achieve work-life balance; instead focus your energy, time, and attention on finding our own pace and our own rhythm for your life.

To start this process, use nature’s seasons as your guide.

Winter - Restore

In the winter, the plants send their roots deep into the earth seeking nutrients to replenish and restore to prepare for the growth that occurs in the spring.

Incorporate “winter” into your days, weeks and months.

? What if you had a day each week of complete rest – no work, no errands, no shoulds or must dos, just time to restore and replenish?

? What day works best for you – Saturday? Sunday? Both? Or perhaps there’s a time of day – maybe first thing in the morning or as a break in the afternoon – where you can replenish and restore?

Find your “winter” pace and insert some pauses, breaks and stops in your days and nights. Prepare yourself for new growth in your life.

Spring - Create

In spring, all of the plants bud and sprout new growth. Spring is the season of fresh ideas and new beginnings. It is the time to clean your calendar and your commitments so there is space – mental and physical – for the birth of new ideas, projects and opportunities.

Incorporate “spring” into your days, weeks and months.

? What are the old commitments, file folders and time expenditures that no longer serve you and are preventing the budding of new growth?

Summer - Grow

In summer, the natural world is in full bloom. Summer is the time to implement your new ideas that were birthed during spring. It is the time to water, cultivate and nurture your goals, desires and dreams.

Incorporate “summer” into your days, weeks and months.

? What projects and goals can you take action on now?

? What relationships need a little watering and nurturing?

Find your “summer” pace and take action, support your relationships and allow your new ideas to grow.

Fall - Achieve

Fall is the time of harvest. It is the time to reap what you have sown in the spring and grown in the summer. Fall is the time for the final push towards your sales goals, the celebration of the completed project and thanksgiving for all of the people in your life.

Incorporate “fall” into your days, weeks and months.

? Are you on track to achieve your goals? If not, what do you need to start doing?

? Is there dedicated time to celebrate and give thanks for your professional and personal accomplishments and relationships?

Find your “fall” pace and reach the finish line; celebrate your accomplishments and give thanks.

Remember, what works for you, might not work for someone else;

someone might love to restore themselves and center themselves every morning, some folks might need that time every afternoon at 3pm. Honor yourself and let your needs and desires set the rhythm and pace for your life.

For more tips please visit: https://bit.ly/99-Essentials-ctli

Best,

Carson