At some point in our lives, we all eventually actively desire and strive for balance. Balance is always necessary because while we can focus on one activity at a time, our lives are multilayered, and we are never only present in one aspect at a time; there is constant juggling. Juggling requires balance; else, we crash and burn.
In my opinion, balance is utopic. We never truly hit that sweet spot, we just get really close. I think this is because we are human, imperfect by design, and I am still to hear of something in this world that is perfect in every sense of the word.
So, in our quest for balance, we try many different methods, tips, ideas, advice, etc. But all these we try can be grouped into three umbrella pillars.
Emotional
What is your internal environment like? What do you know or not about yourself? Are you tuned in to your awareness, mindfulness? Do you know what you feel, why, and how you express it?
Sun Tzu said:
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
It all starts with knowing who you are, having mastery of your emotions and thoughts.
Physical
The benefits of an active physical lifestyle are so great that some people make a living off it. Many of the great perks that contribute to a productive day, such as mental vitality, focus, sharpness, endurance, and even the intangibles like determination, willpower, etc, are all fruits of peak physical shape.
When the vessel is right, the content sustains. The mind needs a strong body to explore its full potential to push the mind over matter.
Financial
The financial pillar is essential and a little bit tricky because the whole idea behind work is to get financial stability, and you are not usually there yet before you have to start juggling.
The tip is, live in the moment and learn to see the bird in hand. Appreciate what you have, realise that your hard work made it possible, and appreciate yourself for getting there. It does not mean you are merely satisfied with what you have, but it means you boost your self-confidence and belief by acknowledging your own effort.
The support in equal measure of these three pillars will help you strike a balance and a solid foundation to push for progress.
