What's the Speed Limit, Please?

We've all done it.  Cruising down the highway, your speed slowly creeps up until you look down  and realize you are going well beyond the speed limit.  I've done it one too many times and on that one occasion I payed the price; the price of doing 135 in the 100 zone.  Cruise control quickly became my friend.  What a wonderful invention.  Set it at a reasonably elevated speed and then focus your attention on your surroundings rather than the odometer.  Cruise control keeps me safe.  Cruise control allows me to go a little faster than posted, but keeps me from going at unreasonable, unsafe speeds.

If cruise control keeps us from going too fast on the highway, what keeps us from traveling at unhealthy speeds professionally?  Is there a a professional speed limit by which we should all abide?  Where's the odometer?  How do we know when fast is too fast?
 

Defining Balance

“In a world full of answers, the value resides in asking the right questions.” – Paul Alofs

When contemplating Balance and/or aspiring to find it, I think we first have to define what Balance is.  And, I think we need to recognize a person's definition of balance is as unique to an individual  as their finger prints.  What Balance is to one is certainly different then what it is to another and I would bet there is very rarely an even divide between work and personal.  I also suspect an individuals unique and personal definition of Balance changes and evolves with circumstance and time.  If the value resides in asking what Balance is to you, I think further value is created when we recognize the question has to be revisited consistently throughout ones life.  The question may always be the same.  The answers may vary.

My definition of Balance has definitely morphed over the last 24 months.  Having taken on a new and exciting professional challenge in June of 2011, many observers of my last 12 months might suggest I lost my Balance.  While I won't concede to a loss, I will definitely admit there was a radical shift.

Anyone who knows me, knows I am all about doing what I love and loving what I do.  I have often told people I have an immense personal need for happiness. Respectful of this need, I have become very good at finding my next professional opportunity long before the happiness of a current role erodes. I have no tolerance for those who "quit and stay".  My move last summer followed this personal creed and it was exactly what I wanted and needed.  It has resulted in 12 months of immense travel, long hours, and a ton of great work. It has been demanding, exhausting and often times incredibly frustrating.  It has also been rewarding, exhilarating, and filled with the type of passion everyone should experience, in their career.

Have I been "working" more?  Yes.  Do I feel like I have lost my Balance?  No.  My friends and family may have a different take.  Remember, the definition of balance is painfully personal.  My definition of what balance is for me is bound to be different than the one my friends and family hold to be true.

All that being said, I do believe my definition is in the midst of another metamorphosis.  My personal definition of Balance is changing, once again.  My return to The Balance Challenge is about my own personal quest to redefine what Balance means to me, today.

Hopefully, in a world filled with answers, my journey will inspire you to take the time to ask yourself the right questions.

Onward and Upward.

TBG :)



Bringing BALANCE Back?

It is hard to believe.  It has been over 15 months since the official conclusion of the original Balance Challenge.  So much has changed.  So much has stayed the same.

To be honest, I am not even sure it is acceptable to talk about "Balance" anymore.  Many would suggest it is nothing more than an urban legend; an unachievable utopia.  Seeking it is not unlike the quest for the holy grail.  And in a world of immense complexity and fierce competition, is it wise to even acknowledge you have spent a sacred moment pondering "Balance", lusting after it?   Shouldn't that time be used to get more work done?  Get ahead?  Appear eager, engaged and brilliant??  Heck.  Let's throw caution to the wind, shall we?  Let's zig while others are zagging.  If you are okay with the word "Balance", finding your definition of it and aspiring after it, so am I.

I can't commit to exactly what the future of the Balance Challenge Blog will be.  Some days it may feel reminiscent of Balance Challenge circa 2010.  Other days it may explore a completely new path.  What I can commit to is this.  There will be new entries.  Your comments and suggestions will always be welcome.  I will do my best to share relevant thoughts and ideas.

The Balance Challenge is back.  I hope you will be too.

The Final Challenge

"We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves." ~Galileo

"Looking and Lingering", "Just Doing It", "Saying No", indulging in a "Cocktail Conspiracy", is a choice. The Balance Challenge was never about teaching anything. The ideas have been simple and the concepts rudimentary. The goal has always been to simply remind you that it is okay to put yourself first and hopefully provide ya with a little inspiration along the way.

It's been a ton of fun and I thank you for indulging me.  When I set out on this little blog writing exercise, I really didn't know what I was getting myself into.  It's been quite a ride.  Looking back over the posts, I realize balance is a pretty quirky thing.  Depending on the day, the mood, the schedule, it can manifest itself  into millions of different experiences and opportunities.  What feels like balance one day can feel like total chaos the next.  I guess that's what keeps it fun.

As the official Balance Challenge comes to a conclusion, I leave you with one final challenge. Know and remember that you don't need a daily email or a blog to remind you life is short and you should enjoy each and every moment of it.

Thanks for taking the challenge and keeping balancing fun.
All the best to you and yours this holiday season.
Tb

Day 46: Recognizing Greatness

In the the hussle and bussle of the fourth quarter AND the holiday season, we tend to witness some pretty remarkable stuff. 
People going the distance to get the job done.
Remarkable acts of kindness.
Creativity and innovation.

The question is, how often do we take the time to remark on it?  We have a tendency to be the loudest and the most vocal when we see something go wrong and we often forget to acknowledge all of the cool stuff that goes right.  When we do take the time to remark, we tend to do it to others rather then to the person who has totally impressed us.  Whether it is your direct report or  CEO, your child or a complete strange, everyone appreciates recognition and feedback.

Today, if you see greatness, acknowledge it.   :)

Day 45: Traditions

homemade eggnog
stringing popcorn and cranberries
baking favorite holiday treats

Traditions are a wonderful thing, especially this time of year.  With only 10 sleeps left before the big day, take a few moments today to take stock.  Have you made the time to participate in your favorite holiday traditions this year?  When life is busy, it is easy to let time pass us buy and traditions fall victim.  Please remember, enjoying traditions isn't just about personal enjoyment, it is also about establishing and reinforcing them with the younger folks in your circle.  Keep your favorite holiday traditions alive so that they may continue to be traditions in the years to come.
Tb

Day 44: Be Calm, Carry On

BE CALM, CARRY ON....
Sometimes that, in itself, is a monumental accomplishment.  There are those days when balance is the furthest thing from your mind.  In fact, god help the person that smiles and suggests such a crazy thing.  You know those days. We all have them.  The sky truly feels like it is falling and the only thing you can do is run for cover.  On these occasions finding shelter is a glorious victory.  Most often, we just get clunked on the head and spend the rest of the day feeling kinda woozy.  I've been there.  Trust me.  I have those days where I just know the next straw could be the one that sends me screaming from the building.  You know it is a rough one when you start thinking....maybe...just maybe...a nice room at the Royal Ottawa wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Luckily, these days do pass. 

For all those who are in the thick of it right now, the challenge is about surviving.  Don't run screaming from the building.  Don't get yourself fitted for a custom straight jacket.  Pause.  Take a deep breath.
STAY CALM, CARRY ON.

You can make it.

Tb