The start of the New Year is always a time for renewing our commitment to restoring balance in our lives, our work and our businesses. However, if we start off the New Year with the perception that balance can actually be achieved and maintained, we will be certain to fail. What? Yes, you read that right. The big point I want to make is that balance is NOT a destination…it is a process. We are always achieving balance, we are always balancing….

So what does this process of balancing look like at home? Well, some of you might be familiar with a few of those “have to do” items called laundry, dishes, shoveling, bill paying, and house cleaning. Okay, I’m not too familiar with that last one either, but I’ve heard about it from friends. There may even be a few souls out there who are familiar with some of the “want to do” items called sleeping, reading, going for a walk, and yes, I’ve heard of this thing called a, a, oh yea, a “massage.” (Isn’t that where you actually lie down in the middle of the day and have somebody try to relax you? What will they think of next!).

Well then, how do we balance all of the “have to do” items with the “want to do” items, and why should we? Let’s take last things first. We need to balance the “have to do” tasks with the “want to do” activities for our long-term health and well being. The old saying, “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy” is more than true! And “dull” does not just mean boring, but also lack-luster, depressed, lethargic, and unhealthy, too. But I think most of us have this point down. We just don’t always know how to fit everything we have to do and all we want to do into our day, our week, or our life.

You can even start the balancing process right now.

Try following these simple steps today to get yourself going:

• Before you go to bed tonight, write down the most important “have to do” items you absolutely must achieve tomorrow.
  
  
• Now write down one thing that you really want to do tomorrow. (Let’s be realistic here, no skipping off to the Bahamas just yet!)
  
  
• Plan your day so you can accomplish what you simply must and do one thing that you really want to do.
  
  
• Let me know how it goes!

Remember, balance is a process…not a destination.

Dr. Stacie L. L. Morgan is a strategy consultant, international speaker, and author. For more information, visit her Web site, BalancedManagement.com or send her an e-mail.