Want Peace? Live in Balance!

Intentional character development balances knowing what’s required of me with merciful, practical applications of fundamental disciplines.?I live at peace with myself and others when I balance what I know with what I do.

What's Required?

It's easy to fall into the trap of a must-do life. That is, I'm driven constantly by real or perceived demands to perform. To make something happen. Now!

You know, to be that influential person, to earn a desirable living, to take ultimate vacations, and to have perfect children. The list is endless!

So what? The "So What" is it's easy to get out of balance in life by chasing all these demands without ever asking how they fit my authentic self. Without checking for alignment with my desired life purpose.

In short, if I'm not intentional, I will live much of my life based on external demands instead of my own, internal compass.

Live with purpose, on purpose! proverbsforprofessionals.net

Fundamental Disciplines

A life that's constructed around intentional choices related to my purpose is a proactive life. It's purpose-driven. Deliberate. And, it's authentic - I'm my true self.

I'm at peace in my personal and professional life when I balance what I know with what I do. My doing - where I choose to spend my time - is based on fundamental disciplines, hence on values I've deliberately chosen.

These fundamental disciplines are the basic precepts for living.

Setting priorities is a fundamental discipline: "You cannot have it all or do it all - so choose what's of greatest value to you."

An abundance mindset is a fundamental discipline: "I become what I say to myself constantly. So, watch that self-talk!"

The Hebrew word?mitzvah?is a commandment from God as a moral imperative. There are?613?mitzvot ?in Jewish tradition. The mitzvah are precepts or fundamental disciplines for living that bring me me life insights.

Getting There!

Ok, I can have peace in life through the KNOW-DO balance. Getting there is the challenge! How can I BE that person who is balanced?

"Get There" practices include choices like:

• Reflection and insight building. That is, I build insight as a result of life events. Thus, I making sense of what just happened.
• Seeking wise counsel. Paying attention to that wise counsel!
• Finding outlets for personal and professional growth.
• Choosing to respond appropriately rather than react emotionally.

Over time, I replace a victim mentality with a growth mindset that envisions the abundance around me.

These are some essential practices for personal growth. Better yet, I make this work in a way that fits who I am as a person. Therefore, I must be self-aware.

What do I know? What can I do with what I know?

A Personal Example (Ugh!)

I’m very task oriented – I get that! As such, I generate influence by being factual and logical. Consequently, I’m certainly not magnetic and enthusiastic!

Combine that strong task orientation - the doing - with being a serious introvert and … well, you get the picture!

However, being self-aware about personality traits isn’t the same as modifying my behavior to accommodate or account for that trait.

I don’t get a free pass. “That’s who I am” simply isn’t a valid excuse!

Knowing who I am requires that I “do” differently if I am to be effective with the interpersonal aspects of my personal and professional life.

Apply This Today!

In the rush to meet deadlines, I should stop to listen deeply to those around me. What needs are they expressing? Stopping like this is a step toward peace.

How do I respond as needs are expressed to me? It's best if I see an opportunity rather than an interruption to the "extremely important" stuff I'm doing!

Will I take the opportunity to influence the personal and professional development of someone? Remember, a missed opportunity is just that - missed!

I balance knowing and doing when I'm both productive and merciful. Compassion should be a significant part of my professional skill set.

My Proverbs for Professionals blog version of this article is available here .