I do a lot or presentations on ‘Exposing the Myth of Life Balance’, and it’s true, I don’t believe that life balance is possible. I’m a motivational speaker, so some would think me a bit pessimistic carrying that belief to my audiences. People want answers, quick fixes for life’s day-to-day challenges – they want to believe in life balance and the pursuit of more free time. Well, I do too, but I think we’re fighting the wrong battles, or at the very least, neglecting to include another important goal in our efforts at better balance.
I’m often asked if I can share tips and ideas that would help individuals make better use of what little time they have. I do agree that many of us toss away precious time on endless emails, text messages, and inefficient business and time management practices … to many ‘to do’s’. If only we could manage that endless list then that balanced lifestyle would finally be ours. Fair enough. I don’t however believe that better use of time is the only answer to better balance. I believe we must also work on better use of energy as we navigate through ‘to do’.
Energy management is as important as time management but our task oriented habits drive us toward the idea that everything will be fine once the work get done, once the inbox is empty, once ‘to do’ is DONE.
Have you ever considered what drives your work ethic day in and day out? When energy is high things get done, and they get done well. When energy is low, productivity drops in both quality and quantity of effort.
There are two ways to consider energy management. The first revolves around how well you’re taking care of your physical machinery to ensure you have enough energy to get through the day. Are you exercising regularly, eating healthfully, and getting enough rest? Most of us aren’t. As a nation we’re inactive, unhealthy, and plagued with diseases of lifestyle such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol that attack our energy and vitality, and shorten our life span.
We forgo exercise and healthy eating in the name of getting more work done, and in the process our health suffers. Is the trade-off really worth the couple of extra hours of output you’re gaining? If you’ve yet to gain control over this first energy management practice – if exercise alludes you, healthy eating scares you, or you don’t yet know how to wind-down and step away from work in favour of rest – take a step to take care of your health first. Contact me for ideas and tips on how to get started.
You can also download this free article “Embrace a NEW ATTITUDE about your health, starting now” and begin to shirt your mind set toward finally fitting in fitness.
Stay tuned for my second Energy Management focus in my next posting!
Michelle Cederberg and Live Out Loud Speaking and Consulting
Life Balance is possible, even with your busy schedule! Or IS it? If only one in four Canadians believes work-life balance is possible, what are the rest of us going to do? Michelle is EXPOSING the Myth of Life Balance and in her lively sessions she reveals the real secret to better life balance. She makes you think, laugh, and implement REAL change. With a Masters in Kinesiology, a BA in Psychology, and a specialization in Health and Exercise Psychology, Michelle combines mind, body, and practicality to inspire change! She has built her career since 1990, as a college educator, personal trainer, fitness coordinator, and author. As a professional speaker, she shares her experiences in a humorous and realistic way with delighted audiences across North America. Michelle knows her energy has fueled her business success! Today, through her seminars and products, she helps people overcome big challenges through a start small solution that really works!
Michelle Cederberg, MKin, BA, CEP
To book Michelle for your next keynote or seminar, click here and send us your request!
