There is this idea that we have to achieve some semblance of “Balance” in one’s life.
In coaching I use a tool called the “Wheel of Life.” It has the eight main areas of one’s life broken up in 8 equal sections of a wheel:
- Money/Finances
- Career
- Fun & Recreation
- Physical Environment
- Health & Wellness
- Significant Other/Romance
- Personal Growth
- Family & Friends
Clients then rate their level of satisfaction in each area from 0-10. The idea isn’t for us to have all 10’s… although, doesn’t that sound awesome?! The hope is that maybe we have mostly 7-8’s or similarly higher numbers, which demonstrates a more balanced and satisfied life.
The idea is that we are paying attention to all 8 areas… giving them relatively equal attention.
Now, think about your own life: how satisfied are you within each of these areas? Are there one or two outliers? Maybe you are extremely satisfied in Health & Wellness and Social Life/Friends, but you are extremely dissatisfied with your Career and Money/Finances. That kind of discrepancy or gap is then felt in how you experience your life. You feel it in your level of happiness in your day-to-day existence. We feel it everywhere when we are being pulled down in one area and long for change. Try as you might to ignore this unbalanced feeling, you can’t because you feel stuck (unable to change), or you feel that people will be upset if you ask for (or create) change.
But the secret is that it is this place of limbo where great things can happen. It all is good information. The angst or discontent or anger is a sign–a sign to “right the ship.” By staying in a situation, job, home you hate, relationship that is soul-sucking… you risk a lot. You risk your happiness certainly. But you also risk your health because your body will start to succumb to the ongoing stress that you are experiencing from the imbalance. And ultimately, you risk not living the fullest life you could.
Think about it like this: “At the end of my life, will I regret _______?” If the answer is yes, then it’s time for a change. If the answer is no, then maybe its just time for a tweak of what currently exists, or a change in how you are thinking about it.
There is ALWAYS a way to balance what is presently out of whack… ALWAYS! You are never stuck, unless that is what you choose. Life consists of a constant series of choices. Know that you are the driver of your life and these choices. Choose to make the choices, not fall victim to the fear. ;)
