Futurist.com: Futurist Speaker Glen Hiemstra

Tips for Choosing Life Balance Moments

By Tracie Hiemstra, 2000

1. Remember that life balance is a specific choice.
2. Being aware of your personal needs allows you to intentionally capture even the simple moments as they present themselves.
3. Think in terms of impact, not just time. You are the judge for yourself.
4. Examples of choosing for your perceived impact in each of the personal balance categories are:
   1. Physical:
      Park away from the supermarket door so you have to walk a few steps further; take that extra 3 minutes the night before to make sure the pants you want to wear are pressed; give yourself an extra moment before a presentation to breath deeply and envision your success; floss (it adds years to your life).
   2. Emotional:
      Allow yourself to be angry by writing down all the words that come to mind when an event occurs; let the tears come when something touches your heart; allow yourself to moan with pleasure when you bite into a ripe strawberry; listen to the end of your favorite song on the car radio even if you are already late.
   3. Mental:
      Read the newspaper headlines when you don’t have time for the whole article; read the grocery store check-out line magazines while you wait; give yourself time to think; listen to public radio.
   4. Spiritual:
      Consciously stare at a beautiful scene for 60 seconds; watch the birds fly while you walk; stop and actually smell a pretty flower; meditate.
5. It is up to you, not anyone else, because your targeted focus brings your sense of well being. Make your personal balance plan a priority.