I found your site to here through MyBlogLog. Very interesting article btw. For me I found out that the only way to keep me away from my computer checking email is actually to go on a cruise On a ship in the middle of the ocean somehow helps me to get a little get-away time….

Balance also means to ‘weigh’ things in comparison. Not two but many. And, like an accounting ‘balance sheet,’ the parameters of what we balance and how we balance it are always changing.

I hear you about moving. And I would guess that once you’ve reached an acceptable level of unpacking, you’ll likely take time to rest in your new home. One balances with the other.

So I find balance to simply be a natural phenomenon between all the aspects of our lives. We give a little more here and take a little more there – always changing; swaying back and forth.

Remember, balance can mean to arrange or adjust proportions. Isn’t the how of that integrity of choice?

There are times when my non-paying stuff takes over (My wife and I are in the middle of unpacking from a move to a new house)and other times when my paying stuff takes over.

If you try and “balance” you’ll never succeed. There is only “choice.”

So the question I always ask: Is what I am doing now the best choice for me to make in my life right now?

The integrity of choice trumps balance.

(PS Great blog!)

I’ve gone through this as well. My wife might even say that I’m still doing it.

One thing that made a huge difference for me is defining my work day hours – and then holding firm to them. Knowing I have a limited time each day forces to me look at how much I’m getting done.

The other thing for balance is that I had to do things outside my business – and other than my family. Spiritual practices, hiking, even yard work can give me other activities where I’m not parked in front of computer all day.

I do think you’re right…the best time to look at your imbalance is when it’s at an extreme. If you can find the time.

My hubby is a workaholic too (he’s employed and a freelance systems developer) so the only time we relax and take a break from work is during the meal time and the 2-3 hours of weekend outing together.

But in our case, we told ourselves that we will work hard now before we have any child and try to work less once the little one is around (in 2 or 3 years time, hopefully!)

hmmmm

Ponn ~ thanks for such a thoughtful post. It really is quite thought provoking. I know I’m guilty of being firm in my belief that if I don’t keep up with the expectations of readers (even though I have no real clue what those expectations are) I will lose out in the long run.

In the end, I’m like Aaron — It just doesn’t feel so much like I’m a workaholic because I love what I do SO much!

Thats why I always have to remember to look at my own situation through the eyes of my family.

Now, I have workaholic tendencies, too, and I have some HUGE projects that I am working on, but the bottom line for me was 2-fold:

1) I had to make certain things a priority. Even though I never seem to stop being “swamped,” I still get some sort of outdoor exercise every day, and I still eat dinner with my family – no matter what.

2) This was the real kicker – I realized that my workaholic tendencies aren’t as “workaholic” as it would seem, because I am doing the work that I love! I CHOSE to do this for a living, and when I get down time, it not always that I NEED to get work done during that time, but that I truly WANT to work.

However, all of that being said, the end goal is to work quite a bit less than I do right now, so in the meantime, I still get that exercise and that family time every day.

Guess the fact that we’ve talked about it means we can do something about it, so that’s good. Balancing is hard work.

This is such an enormous struggle for entrepreneurs who often love what we do and do what we love. (That’s why we’re in this business, right?)

I can relate to all of your “cutting back” goals, Wendy. Thanks for reminding me to balance my own life.

And, I was typing while Lornadoone posted. Here, here! As I too am in the house all the time…car drives with hubby is most refreshing (mind, body * soul). Wth the girls we blast kids’ song, open windows and rock around to the most childish happy tunes available

I so love being a Big-Girl

I hear each of your voices within my past Psycho-Ponn, prior to my car accident, and prior to dealing with my disabling brain disorder.

1. Your transpracy, honesty and willingness to be human in all your business transactions speak much louder than words–because it is during times like Wendy’s experiencing now that we, your loyal clients/readers/friends/supporters (whatever)will stick with you and allow (and *highly* encourage) you to take time off!

2. Let go of guilt. Here’s an article “Leave Your Guilt at the Door”.

Much love, support & empowerment to you!
Peace y’all (for now),
Ponn
PS. No time to edit…I have 4 minutes left on my Account time-keeper

Sometimes with such enticing dreams, it’s hard to stay focused on the present!

I’m a workaholic too and honestly don’t know how to walk away. It’s a forced thing around here.

I haven’t the energy.