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As a mum, a partner, sister, daughter, girlfriend, and running my company, I have throughout the years so often felt I was running like a hamster in a cave. Running, running, running, but never going anywhere – sound familiar? I especially remember the years when I was running my import business. At that time, I was an independent mum (means single mum for those who are not sure of the meaning of being an independent mum) with two children, both attending school, doing sports, music and all the things children want to do.
Every morning I would get up at six in the morning, jump to my local gym, do my workouts in the speed of time, get ready to be home for the shower at seven to wake my children up for school, do breakfast, lunch boxes, kisses on each cheek and out they went at the same time I would drive to work. For some reason, it was important for me to be the first to arrive in my company, and somehow it became a habit as well to be the last one to leave. That meant I would be home around 7:30 at night. Dinner, school studies, and believe me, I was in bed at 10:30 p.m.
In this time, I was building up my import company, creating the image I wanted my company to have. Every month we got some coverage in the design magazines and newspaper sections, we took part of popular design TV programs, and at the time (I sold the company in 2006), we were one of the most respected and innovated import companies in this field in my country.
The turning point for me during that time was the day when I went to work as normal, and instead of having all the energy and plans for the day, I felt like I had walked into a brick wall. I had simply burned out my batteries, and totally forgotten to refill. I forgot myself.
When I look back, what did I learn from this time?
• Prioritize my time and projects – look closely at the difference
“nice to have vs. must have”
• Trust that the time I would invest in myself would be my best investment
• Having clear focus gives results, especially if I “go with the flow”
What worked best for me?
• Allowing my employees to find what they loved most doing in their job
• Trusting my employees for doing their job they loved well
• Asking my clients open questions for what they needed and finding the solution for them
• Asking my employees for their ideas and solutions on projects and issues
• Listen to their comments and learn from it
How did I manage to create balance in this busy life?
• I learned I had to give myself some time every day
• Workout, a walk or simply meditate 20 to 30 minutes each day
• Regularly, I take my own balance “pulse,” rating myself zero to 10 in balance, and act according to the result I give myself
Today, I’m running my new business as CEO and founder of a global community site for women business owners called http://www.connected-women.com. Apart from running the site and connecting women around the globe, I offer women entrepreneurs life and business coaching with focus on creating their own path to their success. Working with women worldwide has given me a great insight into the life women are living worldwide. Even though we are all different, we are all the same. We are facing the same issues, dealing with the same fear of stepping outside of our comfort zone.
Are you living an unbalanced life? Are you like I was, running like a hamster in a cave? Stop right now and take your own “pulse” 0 to 10. Where are you in balance? Where would you like to be?
Would you like to create your own balance? Invest in yourself; get your own life coach!
Add a Comment5 Comments
Isn't it interesting that women seem to be more cognizant of the need for balance, since we typically have to juggle so much in life, than men - who are perfectly happy to let us deal with this issue while we're getting their dinner on the table.
I've had to learn how to say "no" at the risk of over-extending myself. I think this is tough for women, in general, to learn.
A friend teased me the other day that life is getting in the way of my training. This was a wake up call to me that I'm focusing too much on training, not enough on resting (my doctor has me on orders to rest for the remainder of this week, due to some health issues).
I'm lucky if I get to bed by 12:30 am!
June 16, 2009 - 7:49pmThis Comment
Small world indeed, Runa! I've heard Janet talk about the group - a wonderful venture.
Cheers,
June 16, 2009 - 7:21pmEvelin
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Evelin - small world! how wonderful to hear you are one of the great facilitators for Janet Attwood Passion Test. My goal is to become one!
Janet is just a super woman with great passion. We are currently working together on a project we call "Women Supporting Women" Turning Crisis Into Opportunity starting end June on www.connected-women.com
My best,Runa
June 13, 2009 - 8:16amThis Comment
A good part of the reason most of us have trouble with balance is that we are living our lives doing urgent but often not important tasks. We generally don't stop to think about what is truly important to us - a burning desire (passion) rather than just a "nice want". Not to say we don't have responsibilities, but if we are living our passions at the same time, those responsibilities become less onerous.
Which is why I became a facilitator for The Passion Test. It's a remarkable tool for getting in touch with our "ideal life" and making decisions based on that.
I don't believe that balance (in the true sense of the word) exists but we can certainly attain satisfaction and fulfillment.
Rumi - "Passion burns down every branch of exhaustion. Passion is the supreme elixir and renews all things. Let divine passion triumph and rebirth you in yourself."
Cheers,
June 6, 2009 - 8:21amEvelin
http://www.blueprints4change.com
http://www.midlifecoursechange.com
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I love the idea of a balance pulse (I can happily say that mine is right in the middle right now - productive yet relaxed, but that might be because it's Friday. Balance (aka moderation) is key to keeping our health and well-being in check. From balanced nutrition to balanced relationships (sharing, reciprocating) this is a key, all-important goal in my life. One of my favorite quotes reads:
"happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony."
~ Anna M
June 5, 2009 - 11:22amblog.nutri-health.com
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