Juggling The Glass and Bouncy Balls of Life

Alright, let's talk about that whole "life is a juggling act" metaphor. You know the one – you've got your work, your relationships, your health, your finances, your sanity (questionable, right?), all these balls whizzing through the air, threatening to leave you with a clown car full of regrets.?

But here's the thing: not all balls are created equal.?

Some, like your health and relationships, are delicate crystals – drop them, and you're left with a shattered mess that takes years (if ever) to glue back together.?

Others, like your job or your bank account, are more like those bouncy balls from your childhood – fling them across the room in a fit of rage, and they'll likely come bouncing back. It might take a few weeks or months, but they’re definitely resilient.?

This glass ball, bouncy ball theory (coined by the brilliant Nora Roberts) is gold for navigating life's juggling act.?

Take Steve Jobs, or ‘nerd Jesus’ as the comedian Bill Bur calls him.

The dude was a visionary, a tech titan, and a turtleneck enthusiast of the highest order. But, his relentless pursuit of innovation came at a cost. He reportedly had a strained relationship with his daughter, Lisa, and a well-documented history of being a bit…of a nutjob to work with. Classic case of dropping the glass ball of relationships in favor of the ever-so-bouncy ball of career success.

If you want a bit of humour, I recommend you check out Bill’s bit on Steve Jobs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1liOZ1fW1F8&ab_channel=FansofBillBurr

As much as Bill takes the piss, Steve truly did leave a mark on the world, but neglecting your health and relationships isn't just about bruised egos and awkward family dinners.?It can have serious consequences.

While we can dream of achieving the kind of entrepreneurial success enjoyed by Elon Musk, it's important to remember that his relentless work ethic and single-minded focus haven't come without sacrifices. There's been public scrutiny of his personal life and concerns about his well-being. Sure, he's revolutionising space travel and electric cars (bouncy balls – check!), but is he neglecting the glass balls in the process? Some would say maybe it's a price worth paying but that's a decision for us all to make ourselves.

Now, before you start hoarding instant ramen and prepping your basement for a Netflix marathon, let's get one thing straight: financial security is important. We all know that life throws curveballs, and having a financial safety net is crucial. But here's the kicker:?

money is the ultimate bouncy ball.?

You can lose it, and you can rebuild it.?

But a neglected relationship with your spouse, a strained bond with your kids, a body riddled with preventable health issues – those are the glass balls that shatter easily and leave you scrambling for the metaphorical glue. They can take decades to rebuild, and some, once broken, will be lost forever.?

So, how do we avoid becoming cautionary tales ourselves? Here's the key: prioritise the glass balls. Schedule that doctor's appointment you've been putting off. Make time for your loved ones, even if it's just a quick phone call. Remember that birthday party your niece invited you to months ago? Block it out on your calendar, even if it clashes with a work deadline. Trust me, a missed deadline is a minor inconvenience compared to the regret of a fractured family bond.

Here's the framework:

1. Identify your glass balls. What are the irreplaceable things in your life? Your health? Your relationships with loved ones? Your mental well-being? Write them down and keep them somewhere you'll see them every day.
2. Schedule them in. Treat your health and relationships with the same respect you treat important work meetings. Block out time in your calendar for workouts, doctor's appointments, and quality time with loved ones.
3. Communicate. Let your family, friends, and even your employer know that you're prioritising these aspects of your life. A supportive network can make a world of difference.

Look, I'm not advocating becoming a bohemian nomad who lives off the grid and barters seashells for sustenance (although, power to you if that's your jam). We all need financial security to pursue our dreams and experiences. But don't get so caught up in chasing the ever-elusive "enough money" that you forget to live a life worth living in the process.

Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, prioritise the glass balls, and you may cross the finish line with a healthy body, strong relationships, and a bank account to match.?

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You can download it here, completely FREE: https://mailchi.mp/afccaff52a96/the-freelancing-revolution-ebook ?