I often chuckle at how hard so many of us seem to be
working to find the ever elusive balance that we seek. Some
of you are probably personally convinced (and some days I
am too!) that balance simply does not really exist. Perhaps
you have told yourself that having balance is simply one of
those urban legends. Sort of like the Loch Ness Monster,
you've heard of it but never seen it.

So what is balance? There are many definitions of balance.
According to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, one
definition of balance means to bring into harmony or
proportion. Another is to bring to a state or position of
equipoise. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to note the
word poise in the word equipoise and that certainly sounds
like something I'd like more of. Wouldn't you?

So, how do you get it? Simply put, you get balance by
developing the ability to prioritize and focus on those
things that are most important to you, and to let go of
those things that aren't important to you. And, this
requires that you have a personal definition of success, a
clear understanding of your values, and a means for
evaluating all of the demands on your time that you receive
on a daily basis. You also need to define what balance
looks like and feels like for you. And finally, you must
stop comparing yourself to others!

Posted next to my telephone are the top three strategic
priorities by which I evaluate or screen all demands on my
time. When a demand for my time comes in, I review it
against these strategic priorities and then I make a choice
as to what I should do. There are only three things that I
can do with any demand on my time:

1. DO it. Complete what is requested of me.

2. DELEGATE it. Ask someone else to do it.

3. DISCARD it. Decline the request altogether.

Like most women, you are probably very adept at doing what
is requested of you. However, you could probably use
lessons on delegating and saying no in the first place.

So my challenge for you is this. Consciously practice
delegating and saying no more often. Then, do something
just for you. If this fits with your vision of balance,
then you are on the right track. If not, then you have more
work to do. Remember, you hold the key to balance in your
life. If you select which door you open thoughtfully, you
will find that balance can indeed be yours. And that's a
good thing.


About the Author:

Regina Barr is a management consultant and speaker who
helps companies develop strategies to attract, develop and
retain women leaders. Sign up for her FREE Ezine,
Developing People...Inspiring Success at
http://www.RedLadder.com .