There's No Such Thing as Balance in Life. And That's a Good Thing.

I am a huge podcast listener. Actually, I think I'm more like a fanatic, as they are now starting to consume the much-needed storage space in my phone. A few months ago, I was listening to a podcast and the guest speaker said something that blew my world all the way up. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BALANCE IN LIFE. At first, I was a little reluctant to believe it, because even as kids we are taught that everything has its own time and space. We are taught to put specific toys in specific bins, to sort laundry into white and dark loads, and to divide our homes into individual rooms for individual tasks. But what if what we know about juggling the tasks of day-to-day life isn't about compartmentalization, but about finding a way to make the activities that matter most in our lives work in synchronicity with each other?

Mind. Blown.

If that’s the case, then the first thing we need to do is find out which of our tasks and activities really matter in our lives. If you're anything like me, you might think you're a mini-superwoman, taking on tasks and projects, one after the other, and exhausting yourself in the process. So, your first assignment is to get a piece of paper and write down every activity that you are responsible for. Then, take some time to examine that list and see if what's on there is something you really need to be doing.

ELIMINATE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE NONSENSE IN OUR LIVES

This week, I challenge you and I to scale back on the number of things we keep on our plate by considering the following:

IS IT A NECESSITY?

There are those tasks in our daily routine that are so boring we wonder if we really have to do them. But the truth is, some things are just necessary for life. We have to work to afford to live. We have to do laundry on a regular basis if we want to have clean clothes. We have to get the car serviced if we want to drive it. We have to grocery shop if we want to eat. We might not like doing them all the time, but these necessary tasks are needed to ensure you're able to function the way you need to function on a day-to-day basis.  Just watch that they don't consume you and become a detriment to your health and well-being.

DOES IT ADD VALUE TO YOUR LIFE?

Does this activity increase your sense of meaning and purpose? If an activity is not adding value or purpose to your life, then is it really worth doing? I believe that even the most mundane tasks can add value when we realize that they serve a greater purpose. If a task or activity doesn't add to who you are as an individual, or help you become a better person, then it's time to scale back.

DOES IT ADD A MUCH-NEEDED SKILL TO YOUR LIFE?

Are you learning something from the task or activity that you've picked up? Is that new skill going to add value to your life and help you move closer to your purpose? Will you be able to start something with the skill you're learning, like a business or charity? We should all be lifelong learners, especially if it benefits you and others. Just make sure you aren't adding "busy work" (i.e. empty, meaningless work) to your to-do list.

IS IT FUTURE DRIVEN?

Is the activity helping you to achieve a future goal or dream? If not, you need to rethink its necessity in your life.

IS IT IN THE RIGHT TIMING?

Every great thing is not great at every moment. If you are pursuing something at the wrong time or season of your life, then it won't be a benefit to you, your values, your goals or your future. Wait for the right time, the time when the things seem to work naturally into alignment, and revisit the task.

FINALLY, IT'S TIME TO MAKE ROOM FOR THOSE PRECIOUS ACTIVITIES WE SOMETIMES PUSH TO THE SIDE WHEN OUR SCHEDULE IS TOO FULL, LIKE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS OR ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS.

So, how are you reinventing your to-do list and choosing to juggle your tasks and activities this week? Leave your tips and tricks in the comments below!