The concept of “balance” has been debated for decades. The problem is, everyone has a different concept of what this should look like. In today’s world, it’s more challenging than ever to juggle the demands of your job, your business, and the rest of your life. We are all being asked to do more and work harder even when we’re not physically at work.  As a result, the line between home and work is blurred and the feelings we are left with are stress and overwhelm.

The problem as I see it then is that when we use the word “balance” we actually feel as if everything in our life should be equal. When we feel as if one side of our life is using up too much of our energy, we can become stressed, our productivity can fall, and our personal relationships can become strained. So, maybe “balance” is the wrong word. Better yet, maybe we need to change our perspective on what balance actually is.

What Is Balance?

Before we can attempt to achieve balance, we first have to define it. What does balance really mean? First, let’s look at what it doesn’t mean.

  1. Balance does not mean equal– Trying to schedule an equal number of hours for work and personal related activities is usually unrewarding and unrealistic.
  2. Your best individual balance will vary over time – And often on a daily basis. The right balance for your today will probably be different for you tomorrow. The right balance for you when you are single will be different when you marry, or if you have children; when you start a new career versus when you are nearing retirement.
  3. There is no perfect, one-size fits all, balance you should be striving for – Balance is different for each of us because we all have different priorities and different lives.

So, What Are the Solutions?

According to Deepak Chopra, we need 7 things in order for our lives to thrive. They are:

  1. Meaning
  2. Love
  3. Achievement
  4. Purpose
  5. Self-Esteem
  6. Positive Core Beliefs
  7. Trust in a power higher than ourselves

When one or more of these things is diminished or we become totally deprived, we starve inside. When a person feels totally fulfilled, they know that each day has purpose. They feel loved and are able to return love. Their core beliefs are optimistic and life enhancing. Moreover, when fulfillment is sustained, the body mind is able to function completely.

The problem is, most of us struggle in being completely fulfilled. We look at life’s challenges as obstacles, frustration and stress.  We try to “fix” this by resorting to external factors in hopes that we will feel better. Rather, we need to look inward to discover which of the above 7 items needs our attention.

Moving from the Outer Reality to our Inner World

What I have been paying attention to most recently is really focusing in on my inner world. What we are aware of creates our reality. This awareness is based on our beliefs, expectations, fears, intentions, dreams, etc. In other words, it comes down to our consciousness. We need to BE in order to discover this. BEING is much more important than speaking, thinking, and doing. As Deepak says: “If you are secure in your being, everything else (thoughts, actions) becomes harmonious.”

If you’re not feeling totally fulfilled, look at the list of 7 items above. Chances are, one (or more) of those areas are lacking. Don’t accept limitations as a natural part of life. True fulfillment can be achieved.  It’s your choice.