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

Day 43: The Gift of Giving

It doesn't have to be big.  It doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to be thoughtful.
Another consequence of our crazy busy world is a tendency to forget or disregard the true pleasure of giving.
It is not about how much you spend.  It is about the thought, the feeling, the intention. 

Some of my most favorite gifts, over the years, have been ones which I know were given with thoughtfulness, kindness and love.  Some years ago now, I met a friend for a holiday coffee.  A gift exchange was not part of the bargain.  We were just excited to spend a bit of time catching up over gingerbread lattes.  As we wished each other happy holiday and prepared to part ways, she presented me with a package.  It contained the most beautiful, unique scarf I had ever seen.  It was the perfect colours, length and weight.  I loved it.  My admiration for the scarf and my friend was that much more when I discovered she had made it for me.  To this day, when I put that scarf on, I am filled with warmth, gratefulness and fond memories of a kindred friendship.

Today, allow yourself to enjoy the gift of giving.  Buy a coffee for the person in the car behind you at the drive thru.  Take the time to find the perfect gift for someone special.  Help someone else find the perfect gift.  Allow yourself to enjoy the priceless feeling of knowing you have made someones day.

Tb

Staying in Touch

One of the unfortunate consequences of a super busy life is our circle of consistent connections gets smaller.  There just never seems to be enough time to connect with those beyond your immediate family and closest friends.  You definitely think about your old college roommate or high school buddy from time to time.  You just never seem to fit a phone call into the days complex equation.   Eventually,  the thought of a reaching out after soo many months of silence feels awkward and undoable.  The call goes unmade and you are forced to accept your circle getting just a little smaller, bit by bit.  Today's challenge is about not letting it get to that.

Today, make the time to call a friend/family member you haven't had a chance to connect with in the last couple of weeks. Everyone has at least one person  they have been meaning to call or worse, call back.  Today's the day.  Make the phone call, reconnect and enjoy a little catching up.  Don't allow a cherished connection to be the next victim of your crazy life.

Tb

Day 39: 16 more sleeps

16 more sleeps until the big day!!
It would be a real shame if the holiday just snuck up on ya. Let's face it, the true joy of the season is the anticipation of December 25th and all the fun to be had leading up to the big day. To really enjoy the spirit of the season, we need to allow ourselves the time to do so.

It's kinda like anything, really.  It kinda like the balance challenge.  It's all about allowing yourself the time for the important stuff and really enjoying it. Putting things off until we have time often results in the good stuff just never happening.  Now that's a real shame.

 While there are only 16 more sleeps til the big day, there are only 11 more sleeps until the Official Balance Challenge concludes.  Day 50, December 20th, marks the end of our formal challenge.  It's been a ton of fun and I have really enjoyed all of the notes, conversation and the sharing of balancing act successes.  Thank you.    While today's official challenge is about allowing yourself the time to do something festive, the ultimate challenge is ensuring you have created your own balance maintenance plan by the 20th.  You're on the right track.  Now, you just have to make keeping yourself there a priority.

You can do it. :)

Day 38: In the Moment

If we get our 8 hours of sleep each night, we have approximate 960 waking moments in which we can be present.  Sounds like allot.  I guess it is.  The challenge is looking back over the last day and asking yourself if you have been truly present in each of those moments.  Come on.  You need to be honest with yourself.  Is it possible you had a meal you didn't really take the time to enjoy?  Is it probable you paid north of five bucks for a latte and didn't really taste it?  What about a conversation you had with one person while thinking about the next task on your  "to do" list?  While we would all like to think being present in each moment is natural and easy, these days savouring moments really does take some deliberate effort.

Today's challenge...

Truly be in the moment. Any moment will do. Just be there. Be delilberate and allow yourself a little savour.

Tb :)

TIME OUT!!!!

　
Who says "time outs" are only for terrible two toddlers?!? We all remember getting banished to the corner or sent to our room on some occasion. Who knew what was once an effective punishment, would someday be a sought after reprieve? The unfortunate circumstance is we most likely need a "time out" when we are least likely to allow ourselves to have one.

How do I know such things?  Personal stubbornness and a little stupidity. It is very true what they say.  Giving advice is allot easier then taking it.  This weekend I was forced to take a little of my own medicine and a rather extended timeout.  No matter how much we love our jobs and enjoy what we do, there is a limit and if you don't respect it, there are repercussions.  Thankfully, I am surrounded by people far smarter then I, who can force me into a time out, even when I don't want one.   The funny part is, once I give in, I am always the better for it.

So...this is your daily challenge...
No matter how crazy busy your day is today, I want you to take a time out.  Yes, I am demanding you do so!!!  Slip away for 15 minutes.  Think about what you have done or are about to do.  Breathe.  Reflect.  And then continue about your day.

Tb

Day 36: Checking the List

Happy Monday Morning!!

There are 26 days left in 2010.  Have you done all the things you wanted to do this year?  Think back 12 months.  What were those key items you were anxious and excited to accomplish?  Check the list.  How many can you scratch off?  Now, this isn't about starting a new week on a sour note.  Just the opposite, in fact.  This is about ensuring you make the absolute most of the last 26 days of the year.

Recently, I was keenly reminded of something we all know.  One third of our life is spent sleeping.  One third of our life is spent working.   And the other third is spent at our discretion.  Now, I am pretty sure we all enjoy sleeping.  The goal is to ensure you are enjoying the other two thirds of your life, as well.  It's amazing how quickly it can all be eaten up by errands, tasks and what feel like "must dos".  We have to stay on top of it, if we really want to enjoy it.

And that brings us to today's challenge....

Make a list of 3 enjoyable/important things you want to do between now and January 1st.  With one third of the remaining 26 days of the year dedicated to your 8 hours of zzzzz's, you have approximately 17 days or 408 hours in which to accomplish your items.  I have included both work and leisure hours in the calculation of 408 because there is nothing that says one of your items cannot be work related.  We gotta hope you are doing some enjoyable/important stuff on the job. ;)  Warning...these 26 days are going to go super fast.  Making sure you make your list and check it twice is entirely up to you.

Good Luck.

Tb 
 I think we all do to some degree.  We may not write it down, but I think it is a natural instinct to approach a new year with zest, anticipation and a commitment to the important stuff.

Life is Funny...LOL!

Come on.  You know you want to.  Just a little giggle?? A hee, hee?  A ha, ha?
There is nothing better than that contagious build of a giggle to a full body shutter.  You know, the kinda laughter that makes your eyes water, sides ache and cheeks sore?  Love it.  What a marvelous feeling!

One of the unfortunate side effects of our world being increasingly busy is there is a tendency to get way too serious.  I am not saying strategy and tactics and plans to drive revenue aren't incredibly important.   I am wondering when we decided humour and laughter couldn't be part of the equation? 

Laughter relaxes the whole body.
Laughter boosts the immune system.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins.
Laughter protects the heart.
Laughter sometimes makes you shoot milk out your nose.
What's not to love?  Seriously?
I mean, aside from maybe the last one, all of the above sounds pretty good for business.  In my opinion, investing a little effort into making people laugh could be a darn good tactic in a robust 2011 Business Plan.

Everyone deserves and, it could be argued, "needs" a daily belly laugh.  Sooooo....let's go for it.

Today's Challenge:  Lol. Lmao.  Rotfl. LAUGH. Make someone else laugh.  Let your guard down and your spirits soar. Loosen your tie a little and forgot about laugh lines.  They are beautiful and well worth it.  :)

Have a fantastic weekend.

Tb

Random Acts of Kindness

We hussle, we bussle…
We rush from point A to point B.
Meetings are scheduled too closely together.
We drive faster then we should.
We agree to be on too many conference calls and then act like we had no choice.
We walk with our heads buried in our BBs or distracted by the call in our ear.
During a season when we should be committed to selfless kindness, we act selfishly. We don't hold the elevator. We don't let the car into our lane. We ask how someone is and don't listen for the answer. We fixate on making the sale and use "driving results" as our excuse for being distracted, late, rude.   It's not okay.

Today's challenge is about putting people first. Your goal is a random act of kindness. It can be as simple as holding a door open or sharing a smile with a stranger. It takes only a moment to make a positive impact.  Today's your day to make someone else's.

Tb

Cocktail Conspiracy

"Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland."

~Winter Wonderland, 1934

In honour of December 1st, I thought we could draw some inspiration from these famous holiday lyrics.  Perhaps it was easier to slow down and enjoy the magic of a snowy day in 1934?  Perhaps finding the time to "dream by the fire" wasn't such a daunting task?  Maybe it was easier, maybe it wasn't.  I think we need to believe it was so we don't feel so guilty about not making the time.  We like to use the "too busy" excuse.  We've gotten so good at it, our friends and family expect it and/or don't even ask the question requiring such a reply because they are "too busy" too.  When we do get together, our conversation inevitably focuses on our latest work project or struggle.  An interaction intended to be a friendly chat resembles far to closely another "meeting".  When is the last time you sat down for coffee or cocktails with a friend and work didn't dominant the conversation?  We spend over a 1/3 of our lives working, you would think we could enjoy a little conversation about something different.

Let's try....

Today, invite a friend for a coffee or a cocktail and conspire about something fun.  No shop talk allowed!  When you make the invitation, make sure your guest is aware of your good intentions.  While they may think it a bit odd at first, I am confident you will both enjoy a little work-free chat.  Heck, you may be surprised at how enjoyable a cocktail conspiracy can be. 

Have fun.

Day 30: Midday Indulge

Okay..
Let's get real. It's q4 and we are all working some serious hours. If you are a morning workout kinda person, you are probably sacrificing a few gym mornings to get some uninterrupted minutes of work in before the day gets crazy. If you are an after work gym rat, inevitably a meeting has gone long or you just have felt too warn out to drag yourself to your regular spin class.

Today's challenge offers an interesting solution. Pick one day this week and squeeze in a midday workout. This can be as serious as a sweat drenched all-terrain spin class or as simple as a lunch hour stroll. No one is asking you to function outside your current physical fitness limits. In fact, I discourage it. What I am suggesting is no matter how crazy our world gets, nothing gets easier if we stop taking care of ourselves.

So come on. Indulge in a little vigorous activity at noon. :)

Tb

Day 29: Fitting in the Z's

Happy TGIM!!

I did it! 
I successfully completed this weekend's challenge.  Often times, people ask me if I am making the time to take my own balance challenges.  9 times out of 10,  the answer is yes.  This weekend, I wasn't as confident about my conviction.  You see, I was headed to my most favorite place in the world, "the county".   There is something absolutely magical about this little piece of heaven.  I feel more alive when I am there and the thought of missing out on spending time by the lake or wandering the back fields with family and friends while napping wasn't very appealing.    Along with the sheer beauty of the county, there is this incredible sense of calm.  I literally feel all of the stresses of the week evaporating as I get closer.  Friday was no exception.  After a fantastic dinner and a little wine,  I was completely relaxed and exhausted.  I hit the hay by 8:30.  I had huge expectations for Saturday.  I was up early and thought I would be ready to go all day long.  I made it 'til about 3:30 and then just couldn't fight exhaustion any longer. The balance challenge was about to be met.  I had an incredible 2 hour nap. 

I am proud of successfully taking this weekend's challenge.  I am not proud of the fact that the week leading up to the weekend was sooo exhausting that I could have spent the entire weekend sleeping. 

The Lesson:  Balance is not a Weekend Affair. 

We cannot deprive ourselves of rest from Monday to Friday and then play catch up on Saturday and Sunday.  It just doesn't work like that.  I was totally relaxed in the county.  I was also soooo tired that I didn't get to enjoy all the weekend had to offer.  I love my job.  I also love my life.  I think they both deserve their fair share.


Today's Challenge is to get the rest you need throughout the week. If you get up at 6am every day, try to be tucked in by 10pm.  The studies aren't joking about that whole 8 hours of rest thing. :)  Give it a try, even if it is only for a week.  I am confident you will notice a difference.  I am definitely hoping to.

Tb

Balance Challenge 26: Make Like a Cat...

...and Nap!

There is nothing better then a Sunday afternoon snooze.
The Problem...there is a ton we need to get done on the weekend, especially this time of year.  Holiday shopping, house cleaning, and we can't forget about those sales reports and proposals we just didn't get to during the week.  If we let it, our days off can feel very much like another day at work.  The situation can become even more stressful when you have to be stealth like in an effort to avoid the disapproving looks of family members who feel we really do deserve a day off.  And trust me, I have attempted it all.  My latest miserable strategy was to get up very quietly well before the crack of dawn (you know..4:30am ish) and hammer through a well thought out list of  to dos, before anyone else in the house stepped out of bed.   It worked, kinda. I got a ton done and I was pretty baked by mid afternoon.  In hindsight, I have to ask myself if  it was really necessary?  While I would like to deny it, the reality is it wasn't. 

It is so easy to get caught up in the craziness.  There is more now then ever before we can commit ourselves to doing.  Even someone who recognizes and appreciates the beauty and benefit of balance can easily become a victim.  So, this challenge is about performing the ultimate act of weekend relaxation.  It's time to take a nap!!  It doesn't have to be a marathon or toddler 3 hour dream extravaganza.  It does need to be deliberate.  Allow yourself just a little bit of time to rejuvenate.  It's been a crazy week.  Next week is probably going to be crazier.  Take the time, when you can, to relax.

Sweet Dreams...

Tb

Day 25: Turn the Page

I know we all read every single day.  We read sales reports and proposals.  We read text messages and emails. Right now your reading a blog.  I certainly do my share of online reading.  Heck, the Globe and Mail tweets are a huge source of information throughout my day. Our pace is fast and the world has done a fantastic good job of ensuring gathering information doesn't slow us down.

And yet, sometimes reading should.  What use to be common practice has become a guilty, rare pleasure. Curling up with a good book, shutting the rest of the world out and enjoying the words on a page can be a refreshing act of balance.  Oh, and let's be perfectly clear...I'm talking about a  real book; not a ipad, not a reader.  I understand the virtues of modern technology and sometimes I feel it necessary to resist. There is still something magical about making notes in the margins and dog earring a page.

So, are you up for it?

Today, make a bit of time for a little good old fashion reading.  If you truly do not have a book to which to turn, then make a stop at your local bookshop today's balancing act.  Allow yourself the luxury of simply turning a page.

Enjoy.

Day 24: Fuel UP!

Fast food and fast pace tend to go hand in hand.  They shouldn't!  When you are demanding extra hours, greater intensity and higher productivity of yourself, good nutrition is key.  It sounds simple enough, but trying to fit it in can be a daunting task. Healthy takes time, a meal deal doesn't.  Garbage in, Garbage out folks..both for the mind and the body. You really are what you eat.

Today's challenge is to fuel up, properly.  Be aware of what you are putting in your fuel tank to power your think tank.  Drastic changes are difficult and not necessarily doable at this crazy time of year.  Let's start small...how about breakfast??  Here, I'll make it easy for you. 

Consider this:

Starbuck's Oatmeal with nut medley and a Grande Americano coffee has 250 calories and lots of yummy protein and fibre. 

Eggs and Rye can keep you fuelled well into the afternoon

Breakfast anyone?

Tb

(Note: Big thanks to MG and JL.  Your support and brilliance inspires and amazes me every single day. ;):

Day 23: The Thrill of Anticipation

I am a huge believer in not putting the good stuff off another day.  While cliche, life really is THAT short and you should live every day to the fullest. I also know every day does not necessarily allow you to squeeze all the good stuff in. 

Thank goodness there is something magical and seductive about anticipation.  We love looking forward, counting down the days, day dreaming about what a particular moment in time will deliver to us. Incorporating some whimsy...some hope into a crazy, chaotic day is wonderfully refreshing.  If you are not careful, allowing yourself to anticipate and daydream could in it self be a little tiny balancing act. :)

Why not try it?

Today's challenge is to make a date.  The demands of Monday are behind you.  Take a deep breath and allow yourself the time it takes to reach out to a loved one, friend, partner and schedule a date for this coming weekend.  Yes...it has to be within this week.  Come on.  You can do it!   It doesn't have to be grand or elaborate.  It just has to be something a little special.  Plan it today and then allow yourself to enjoy the anticipation for the remainder of the week.

Tb

Day 22: Pulse Check

22 days and counting...
They certainly haven't all been easy.  In fact, last week was kinda intense.  Okay, really intense.  Maybe, even meltdown worthy.  Needless to say, not every day was as balanced as I would have liked.  There were some long ones..some really long ones. And then there were the long ones which ended too early because as soon as I sat down to unwind, I fell asleep.  Thank goodness I have a very understanding family. :)

But here's the thing, as crazy as last week was, when I look back I can proudly state I always kept  balance a priority.  While I couldn't always live up to the ideal, I did manage to perform at least some small act of balance each day.  And that is kinda what the Balance Challenge is all about.  No one expects you to go from crazy busy to zen-like in 22 days.  I am not even sure it is possible.   Well, maybe the chick in Eat, Love, Pray did it, but come on, that was a movie.  Anyway, the point is,  if you have taken the time to read this blog, considered the challenge and given it a little effort over the last 22 days, you should be proud.

Today's challenge is about taking your own pulse.  Give yourself a little reflection time today. How are you doing?  Are you letting a little balance in?  Are you up for a little bit more? 

As difficult as it can be, balance is a choice.  Here is to celebrating your choices so far and hoping you make some more good ones this week.

Tb

Day 19: "NO"

"NO" is the new "YES" on today's road to success.
I know, a little Dr. Seuss-like and maybe that's ok.
When Dr. Seuss was creating his wonderful worlds of rhymes and wisdom, the world was a simpler place. The challenge of racing through his tongue twisters and rhythmic phrases was fun and refreshing. Our minds raced and our imaginations ran wild and it was our choice.
Who knew we would one day be living in the pages of a Dr. Seuss classic? Everyday, our senses overwhelmed by stimuli. Messages, images, information, and requests for our attention come at us from every direction morning, noon and night. The crazy race and overwhelming pace no longer feels like a choice, but rather a requirement.

How do we survive? We learn to say "NO". Respectfully, of course.
If everything is important, nothing gets done. I know we must plan with fluidity and continually be open to course correction. I get it. I believe it. I also know if we open ourselves up to every request made of us in a day, nothing will get done and we will wined up used up, burnt out and babbling in corner somewhere, potentially a padded corner. If you know what I mean.

Conviction is key. We each must determine what our priorities are every single day and protect them. Keeping the important stuff important means having to say NO sometimes... NO to requests for our time, for our mindshare, for our commitment to yet another brilliant initiative. Sometimes we must make the difficult choice to say NO to the never-ending temptations of today's brilliantly stimulating world.

Today's Challenge is about saying NO. Give yourself the time and opportunity to focus on what is important today. Pick a couple of key items you want to get done and allow yourself to do them. Saying "NO" might mean turning off your BB for an hour so you can concentrate. It might mean having to decline an invitation to chat. It could mean finding a quiet space where you can get a few uninterrupted moments to simply think something through. Try it.  Find the courage and the wisdom to say NO. 

Need a little more inspiration?  How about a little reminder  from Dr. Seuss...

"You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

Any direction you choose."

Day 18: "JUST DO IT!"

Thank you Nike!
I don't think anyone anticipated just how powerful and inspirational those three little words would be. Determination. Passion. Relentlessness. With 3 little words, Nike tapped into the soul of a generation and inspired us to go the distance. What we must remind ourselves of is the Nike campaign was about going the distance physically. It was about athleticism and the fitness craze of the 80s. The famous Nike slogan and accompanying ad campaigns motivated the masses and shamed the rest into exercise. Guess what? It's time for us to revisit that inspiration and/or  guilt.

We all know what we should be doing. Eat breakfast. Eat healthy. Get 8 hours of sleep. Drink lots of water. EXERCISE. And yet, when the daily grind gets the better of us, what is the first thing we sacrifice??? We run out of the house in the morning with an empty stomach and coffee in hand. We rush to the office. We work through lunch. We have some more coffee. We work late. We grab some substandard food. We sleep poorly. We get up the next morning and we do it again. Our energy levels deteriorate. We feel lethargic. We look exhausted.  Our inevitable answer to this dreadfulness? More caffeine.

We are very smart people acting in very stupid ways.

We all know how much better we feel when we allow ourselves to JUST DO IT. Last night I was reminded of just how important good old fashion physical exertion can be. Monday was a marathon. Tuesday was a marathon and a half. Wednesday, after 5 hours sleep and an action packed 10 hour day, I was spent. BUT, I had made a commitment. There it was screaming at me at me from my outlook calendar.   I had a date with a stationary bike and a 60 minute Road Drills class,  I wanted to do about as much as I wanted to pull off my own finger nails. I rushed home, changed and literally dragged my tired butt to the gym. 30 minutes into the class,  I was drenched with sweat, breathing way too hard and feeling absolutely alive. It hurt like hell and it was the best hurt I had felt all week long. There was no time to even think about where my Blackberry was as the drill sergeant-like instructor told me to turn up the resistance and peddle harder. How luxurious. By 6:30, my head was clear and I felt better then I had all week. The feeling was not foreign. I know how good it feels to be good to myself and make the time to JUST DO IT!  It makes me more alert. It clears my mind. It makes me a better person. And yet, I continually sacrifice the time to maintain my place in the rat race. For a relatively smart individual, I make some pretty foolish choices sometimes.

Today's challenge is for you to make a smart "JUST DO IT" choice for yourself.  Pick a physical activity. It shouldn't be  something way beyond your level of fitness...that would be the wrong choice, too.  Now,  schedule it in your calendar at least twice over the next week.  I mean it.  Block the time and protect it.  Bumping it or scheduling something over it is not permitted.  Keep your commitment and allow yourself  to enjoy how good JUST DOING IT  feels.

Tb

Day 17: Look and Linger

The speed at which our world works today is amazing and it just keeps getting faster and faster and faster.  Lingering, sauntering, strolling are activities you may only partake in during a vacation.  I say "may" because these days allowing yourself to actually relax on vacation is often a luxury, in itself.  How sad is that?  Really?  How many times do we have to be reminded that life is short?  This isn't something people say to annoy you.  It's not an ideal threat.  It's fact.  Any yet we continue to deny ourselves the opportunity to appreciate the beauty which surrounds us.

Our days are filled with incredible sights and sounds.  Unfortunately we are too distracted, in too big a hurry or too preoccupied with the conference call in our ear, to truly appreciate any of it.

Our mid-week challenge can be as rewarding as it it simple.  

Find a bit of beauty today and take a moment to appreciate it. Listen to the words of a song. Take the longer, yet more scenic route home. Check out the details of an old building. Be a tourist, if only for a few moments of your chaotic day.  

You may be surprised by how lovely the world around you truly is.

Tb

Day 16: Know Your Limits

Shhhhhhh….
I know.  Were not suppose to have any limits. Guess what? We do. Even the energizer bunny's batteries run out eventually. If this whole topic is making you a little nervous, that's okay. It makes most people shy away.

Here's the deal.  Most people have a monetary budget.  It may not be the best budget in the world, but most kinda know how much rent/mortgage they can afford, what their grocery bill should look like and how much is too much for a car payment.  Even moderately responsible folks save for retirement, or at least a rainy day.  Most recognize their financial limits. 

So....why is it that we refuse to recognize our time and energy limits?  The phrase "time is money" has been around forever and yet we seem far more preoccupied with protecting our cash, then our time.  We spend our hard earned dollars wisely and pay little attention to protecting our precious, finite time.  We get caught up doing all kinds of crazy, not necessarily important or impactful stuff and we stretch ourselves sooooo thin that we are unable to give the important stuff the attention it deserves.  Running ourselves ragged is the new norm and we do so without giving much attention to the cost associated with it.  We continually fail to acknowledge or respect our limits.

It's time to get real.

Take 15 minutes today and review your calendar for the week, while considering what your key priorities are….your REAL priorities. As you scan your calendar you are looking for 2 things. The first is an overwhelming number of items which do not speak to your priorities. If you find these…be a crazy person and get rid of at least one or two of them. The second thing you are looking for are a lack of items which speak to your priorities. If your priorities seem to be missing from this week's agenda, you need to fix that by replacing non-important items with some important. Remember, this challenge isn't about adding more to your calendar. It is about having less unnecessary and more of the important stuff. Remember…if everything is important, nothing is important. Know your limits.

Day 15: Connect

facebook, twitter, linkedin, bbm, whatsapp….
We live in a world where having hundreds, if not thousands, of connections is the norm.  The question is.."Has our virtual world of connectivity inspired a false sense of connectedness?  Have we begun to take our dearest and most precious connections for granted?  When did we stop really making an effort?  What does a friends list of 500+ say about someone?  Not much really.  Nurturing and maintaining true connections takes allot more then a "ping" or a "poke".  While our crazy world keeps us "connected" to more people then we ever thought possible, true connections still require traditional effort and thoughtfulness.

Today's challenge is about finding the time and making the effort.  Reach out to an important connection in a thoughtful and meaningful way.  Let the effort you make demonstrate how important your connection truly is.

Tb

Balance Challenge: Weekend Edition

Wow!! 
The weekend is already upon us.  Can you believe there are only 42 more sleeps 'til Christmas Eve?  Seriously?  There are less then 10 TGIFs left in 2010.  Time is flying.  And guess what?  If we keep rushing around every minute of every day and keep putting all the good stuff off 'til tomorrow, we will find ourselves in 2020 wondering why we never did all those great things we wanted to do.

So...please...this weekend...carve out some time for yourself.  I know BB free was traumatizing for many last weekend.  I also know that many people managed to do it, even if it was only for a little while.  So...how 'bout you try it again?  One unplugged hour?  Read a book.  Connect with friends.  Start your Xmas shopping.  Sit and day dream.   You choose. 

Once again, the challenge is simple and not easy.
The good news...it's your choice.

Here's to choosing wisely. ;)

Tb

Day 11: Taking a Moment or 2 or 15..

"the quiet scares me 'cause it screams the truth"~Pink

There's no doubt about it.   There are some serious issues at work in Pink's hit single "Sober".  The line from the song, does however, inspire me to consider how easy it is to stay super busy all day long and never stop to really think.  The craziness of our world has us running from one meeting to the next , putting out one fire after another and juggling more balls then anyone ever thought humanly possible.  Taking the time to actually slow down and think requires deliberate effort.  This deliberate effort can only be made if you find a moment to consider how important it is.  What a crazy circumstance we find ourselves in.   I have to wonder, do we sometimes use the craziness as an excuse?  Are we afraid of what we will discover if we do slow down and contemplate?  Are we afraid of the truth?  Are we nervous we may have to change course?  Reconsider an original plan?  Deal with the consequences of being busy, but not necessarily productive? Hmmmmm.

Inspired by Remembrance Day, today's challenge is about taking the time to think. The challenge is looking for you to stretch yourself beyond the moment of silence to remember our fallen soldiers. Please take that special moment, plus 15 more.

Despite the crazy busy of each of our days, it is important to give ourselves time to think. Today, take 15 minutes, shut off your device, find somewhere quiet. Greatness and innovative thought often comes from those periods of time when you truly silence your surroundings and your mind and just let the ideas come.

"Others inspire us, information feeds us, practice improves our performance, but we need quiet time to figure things out, to emerge with new discoveries, to unearth original answers." ~Ester Bucholz



Happy Thinking...



Day 10: Be Present...REALLY

We don't intend to be rude, not really. The fact is there is so much to pay attention to. It is often hard to focus.

Today's challenge is simple and not easy. Pick one interaction today; a meeting, one to one, conference call (this is the toughest) and be fully present for it. No day dreaming. No multitasking. No pretending. Be there. Listen. Engage.

This one definitely requires some serious commitment.

Good Luck!!

Day 9: Just Drive

Truth time.  My name is Tracy and I am a "crazy busy" junkie.  It's a fact.  I find pushing the limits exhilarating.  Give me a challenge with an impossible timeline and I am in my element.  I may choose to complain about it a little, if someone doesn't adequately explain the "why" to me.  If it makes sense, I am all over it.  And if I can pull it off..wait scratch that...when I pull it off, there is no better drug in the world.  I LOVE a CHALLENGE.  I am totally addicted to the adrenaline rush. 

I don't think I am alone.  The fast pace of our society has created an addiction within us all.  There is so much to see, to do, to listen to, to consider.  It is almost impossible not get caught up in it.  Unfortunately, it can lead to some crazy behaviour.

That brings us today's challenge:  Commute Phone Free

Now, I know, there are a number of us who rely heavily on our time in the car to answer voicemail, attend conference calls and arrange for our next dentist appointment. I get it. It also kinds scares me and makes me wonder if it is all REALLY necessary.

Being realistic, I'm not suggesting you go an entire day without using your phone in the car. What I am suggesting is pick one little commute. Maybe it's a drive to a meeting. Maybe it's your trip home tonight. Maybe it is traveling between store visits. Whatever you deem your challenge, is fine. Simply turn the phone off…all the way off..take a deep breath and commute phone free. You may just be surprised at how good it feels.
　
Have a good one.

Day 8: The Lost Art

Recently a colleague identified the e in email as standing for "easy way out".  Isn't that the truth?  How many times have you hidden behind your keyboard and electronic signature?  It's easy.  It's fast.  You get to say everything you want to say without having to listen or pay attention to the person you are communicating with.  God forbid they may have an opinion or a thought to share.  There's no time for that.  Our crazy busy lives have somehow given us a licence to be rude and often thoughtless.

Well, it is time to add a little civility back to our lives.

Today's challenge is to write a note.  Sorry, let me clarify...hand write a note.  Yep, find a pen and a note card or paper.  Then, think about someone who deserves a kind word, an acknowledgment or a thank you and put your thoughts to paper.  Write it, address it and mail it. 

And then, feel good about your accomplishment.  In a few days, long after the pain of having to slow down for 15 minutes has subsided, your efforts will surprise your recipient and make them smile. 

And maybe, just maybe, you will inspire them to pay it foward and do the same for someone else.

Try it.  You may just like it.

Tb

Day 6: A little bit of free

When you are going at record speed, a hard stop is difficult if not near impossible.  This isn't an excuse.  It's reality.  Even in the smoothest of sports cars you can't gear from 5th to 1st in an instant; at least not without keeping your foot on the clutch and that's kinda cheating.

Everyone I spoke to yesterday was having one heck of a crazy Friday. It started early, momentum built quickly and the smooth transition into Thank Guinness it's Friday just didn't happen.  Emails were still flying around at 9pm last night.

Now, this does not mean I am waving the white flag on the challenge and I am not suggesting you do either.   What I am suggesting is we have to keep it real.  A BB free weekend is relative.  The expectation of going from 5th to 1st within the limitations of a 2 day span may not be realistic. 

What I can commit to is a little bit of free.

A bottle of wine and some yummy Thai curry mussels in front of the fire of Friday night..bb free.  check

Who knows what little bits of freedom today will bring. 
I'm committed to them..even if they come in small, but significant packages.

Have a great Saturday.

Day 5: BlackBerry Free Weekend!?!?

Congratulations!!!
No matter how you fared each of the last 4 days, you have succeeded. Just by consistently taking the time to give balance some consideration..even if it was only when you read the subject line of the daily emails, you are headed in the right direction.

Today's Challenge is a biggie!! Can you commit to some BlackBerry Free Time this weekend? Not just when you are sleeping…but for a few hours each day???
Can you shut if off? Put it in a drawer? Enjoy a family outing without the security of having it with you?
That's the challenge!!

Good Luck!

P.S-Anyone who knows me, knows I am doing my best "brave face" right now. I can do dinner. I can do the gym. I can even leave my BB on my desk and go to a meeting or for coffee. Leaving it behind and actually going out for an extended period of time....that's big. hmmmmmmm
I'll try. I hope you will too.



Mobile friendly article: http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-to-lead/work-life-balance/we-challenge-you-have-a-blackberry-free-weekend/article1786345/?service=mobile

Day 4: Brutally Honest

Gotta be honest...I really hesitated before beginning this post. I believe and preach you can be honest without being brutal. I am going to scrap every last ounce of energy I have and try to uphold this statement when sharing my day.

It was brutal. I got beat up, shot down and dragged through some serious proverbial mud today. I'm tired, I have headache and my glass which is usually to some degree full is looking a little dry tonight. Ugh.

So...out of sheer determination, I kept my commitment and had a sitdown, no bb, no tv, dinner with the fam tonight. It was good. We talked. I got to hear about my daughter's day and the trials and tribulations of a 13 year old. MG kindly shared the highlights of the newspaper I couldn't even think about opening today. It was a bright spot in anotherwise dark day.

I guess the lesson her is despite how committed one might be to balance, some days you just can't get a grip.

It happens. Tomorrow's another day.

Tb

Day 4: Dinner Anyone?

Day 4 offers you a fresh start and a really yummy challenge: Dinner!! Oh, but there is a catch..
Have dinner tonight with family or friends and do so bb free, tv free and not in your car driving to a meeting or appointment. Knowing what I know about myself and others, I need to be very clear about the "bb free" side of this challenge. Put it somewhere you cannot see the red flashing light AND make sure it is on silent. You know what I am talking about. We've all done it. We pretend to be paying complete attention, meanwhile our bb's are vibrating like mad little machines in our pockets or purses.

Come on. Don't you deserve to enjoy a nice meal and a little uninterrupted conversation?

I think you do. :)

Day 3 Balancing Act

Okay...
How did you do? Did you 30 min it or did you get creative and perform your own balancing act? Did you support or inspire someone else to get in the game? A balancing buddy could be just what the doctor ordered!! Having someone hold you accountable to your balancing commitments can be extremely effective. Give it a try. :)

Quick shout out to SK, KA and DH. I am impressed with your efforts today and your willingness to share. I will be checking in with LP tomorrow to find out if he lived up to his challenge.

So....Day 3 was kinda cool. I did the gym thing with my daughter BlackBerry free and I squeezed in a sit down lunch with a brand new team member and a colleague assisting with the on-boarding process.

Feeling pretty good about the day and looking forward to what tomorrow will bring. I hope you are too.

Night

Balance Challenge Day 1 and 2 in Review

As promised....
So with the intent of complete transparency, I really want to ensure I am sharing the real story about my on personal quest for balance. Let's face it. It is never an easy task. Somedays it is definitely more difficult then others. I am not sure what has happened to me. It is like I have developed an addiction to "crazy busy". I actually bought a book called "Crazy Busy" and perhaps one of my own balancing acts will be to finish reading it. The truth is, I kinda like the crazy busy. I also like to complain about it on occassion. I guess this is where the Balance Challenge comes in. I think I am the type of person who really does have to force themselves to stop and smell the roses. So...how did i make out during the first couple of days??? Not bad.

Day 1: Anyone who knows me, knows I start working at insanely early hours. This often makes for a really long day and I am not very good at taking those much needed breaks. So, on day 1, I did just that. Instead of working through lunch, I got up and went to the gym. It felt great. In fact, it felt sooo great, I felt guilty!!! What was I doing sweating it up in the middle of the day? How luxurious. I guess the question is.... should a 1 hour break in the middle of a 10 hour day really feel like a splurge? Probably not. Apparently, there is still much work to be done.

Day 2: Day 1 felt so darn good, I repeated it on Day 2. Back to the gym at lunch. Once again, the exercise high was matched by the guilt felt. Oh well..apparently I am a work in progress.

Thanks for reading. Happy Balancing!!

Tb

Balance Challenge: Day 3

Morning to All;
The schedule is pretty tight this morning. I only have time to share the Day 3 Challenge. Watch for an update on Day 2 later tonight.

So...
The Day 3 Challenge is 30 minutes of exercise!!
It doesn't have to be crazy, sweaty exercise; especially if you haven't exercised in a while. It could be as simple as going for a walk with your family tonight or a stroll on your lunch hour. The one mandatory component is this challenge is BlackBerry Free!! Yes, you are all very, very important people doing very, very important work. And....no one is going to die if they can't reach you for 30 minutes. Knowing we are all Crackberry Addicts, my suggestion is to leave the device on your desk or at home for this one. ;)

Remember, the above challenge is only a suggestion. Would love to hear about your own customized Day 3 Balancing Act!! Don't be afraid to share!!

Have a fantastic Day 3!!

P.S.-Almost forgot...my Day 3 commitment is a gym date with my sister and my daughter at 5:30!! Wish me luck!

Sharing the Balance Challenge...

So here is the deal...
not tech savy. Should be. I'm not. The idea of creating the simpliest blog is kinda terrifying. And yet, I feel compelled. Why? 'Cause I am taking this Balance Challenge really seriously and if even one person gives it more then a fleeting thought because I share my own personal experience, it's worth it.

So, a little history...
I have been a proponent of balance for a while. I truly believe balance makes you better. And, I believe it's a choice. The recent Globe and Mail challenge reminded me of that. In Tuesday's edition of the Globe and Mail work life challenge, the following statement was made:
"Complaining about our busy lives is easy. Doing something to slow them down is hard. But it's worth trying."
And isn't that the truth??? It totally struck a cord and got me thinking. And I thought, maybe, if I told enough people, it would get them thinking too. But that wasn't my only inspiration or the pivotal point which made me take the blog leap. Nope, that happened when a colleague asked me what all this balance business was about and then referenced the assumption that I "must be on the right side of my quotas" if I had the time to preach balance.
Now that made me think and decide right then and there that I was not a fair weather balance promoter. In fact, I believe promoting and supporting balance is more important when things are at their toughest. I believe in well being and I truly believe all aspects of our well being are connected. If we are feeling overwhelmed, over worked and completely stressed out, there isn't much hope of us ever doing our best work.

Now, I also believe in a lead by example approach. Anyone who knows or works with me, might suggest I am not a very balanced individual. I do work hard. I enjoy it. I am also an individual who is at their best when managing an overwhelming number of priorities. What can I say?? I like to juggle. And, I know this about myself. My balancing acts are relative to what is typical for me. I think the same can be said for everyone. Within this blog, I hope to share my ongoing commitment to balance and what it means for me.

If you have read this far, you already know I am not the best writer in the world. If I was, I would probably be a professional. :) What I lack in talent, I will try to make up for with dedication and commitment. I can't promise I won't make mistakes along my blogging way. I can promise they will all be made with the best of intentions.

So...welcome to the Balance Challenge!!! Here is to sharing some balancing acts.

Tb