You have a balance right now. This very moment. Whether you're standing, sitting, or lying down, you have a balance. Whether you're out walking, catching up on chores, or digging deep to get ahead on work, you have a balance.
Balance isn't a future point to get to.
It is how you are living right now. This very moment.
Balance is a by-product of the choices you make.
It's the steady state resulting from the actions you take, the boundaries you uphold and the most important values you carry today.
Don't have time for strategic work?
What's there?
What capability/capacity do you need more of and where/in who?
What action is required to create that?
What do you need to let go of?
What do you need to say 'no' to?
Struggling to switch off and leave work at work?
How do you contribute to that today?
What are you avoiding?
How present are you being with the people around you outside of work?
What needs to be said?
Balance is a proxy conversation about the extent to which you are honoring your most important values.
It's not about balance. It's about boundaries. It's about the choices you make in this moment.
Balance is a dynamic process, requiring attention and adjustment. (Stand up on one leg right now - and notice the work it requires to keep balance).
Sometimes our choices and decisions are reactions to the immediate situation. Sometimes we act in the moment and fail to consider the broader picture.
Cartesian Questions
Each choice you make fits within the greater ecosystem of your life.
Use these 4 Cartesian Questions to test the ecology of a decision.
What WILL happen if I DO [x]?
What WILL happen if I DON'T DO [x]?
What WON'T happen if I DO [x]?
What WON'T happen if DON'T DO [x]?
Change the conversation from work-life balance, to an inquiry about boundaries, values, and choices in this moment. What becomes possible?