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.