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Last month, just after writing the beginnings of this
article, I was IM'd this message, "this is not like me
to want to give up, but how do you re-group and focus
without loss?"
This woman was dealing with what she knew she should be
doing and what she needs to do for her health. This is a
very good example of the need to find balance. Obviously
her "drive button" was stuck on, On.
My reply in that situation was, "You have to remember that
if you don't take care of you, everyone and everything around
you will suffer."
She replied, "Funny, it felt like I needed permission to
do what I felt was needed."
Let's start there. When you don't have balance in your life,
things tend to feel out of control. To gain back control
sometimes you just have to stop, close your eyes and
refocus your energy.
So how do you take back control of the over-achiever in your
life? You must first realize and accept the fact that you are
a doer. You don't let life get in your way. You prefer to take
responsibility and control your destiny rather than watch life
evolve around you. However, self-control is necessary to combat
your over-active drive mechanism.
Once you acknowledge your personality trait to push yourself
beyond the norm you will find it easier to catch yourself
when you begin to let your life pass you by while you focus,
single-mindedly on your business, to the detriment of your
health and relationships.
One way of dealing with this character trait is to schedule
time off. Rather than saying you will have lunch if and when
you get hungry, schedule it. Then stick to it!
OK, I hear you, "but I only have five more minutes to go and
then this project will be done and when I get back from lunch
I can begin the next project."
Let me ask you this, how many times has five minutes turned
into ten and ten into twenty, etc? Stick to your commitment
to yourself and your family. Take your breaks when it is time,
not when your projects dictate.
This has been the hardest thing for me to do, but I guarantee
you that your life and your family will be happier with this
one small change.
Diet is often linked to imbalance in many areas of our lives.
This can also be a key in maintaining your life balance. Check
with your dietitian to see if your diet needs correction.
A positive outlook is another area that can affect your drive.
If you are seeing only the lack of completion and not the small
victories you may continue to push yourself to get things done
in one sitting, where two or three would be better.
When you take a break from your work, whether for a meal or
just a bit of fresh air, you refresh and rejuvenate yourself.
This will enable you to be more productive and rest your mind
for clearer thought when you take up the task again.
Start slow, practice self-control. As you gain experience you
will find it easier to recognize trouble spots and find the
balance that you desire to achieve.
© Copyright 2008 Ginger Marks
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