Most of us business leaders possess a time in our lives when we just feel out of whack. Specifically, we feel like we’ve lost that feeling of work-life equilibrium. We know we may have been putting in too many 80-hour months in a row, and we could feel the side effects of making that sort of dedication. The critical question then becomes: What are we going to do about it?
I have found that the best CEOs are always striving to find balance in their own lives. That is what makes them great leaders and great men and women. And certainly, most of us need to put ourselves out of equilibrium for a little while, when, for instance, we’re in the middle of buying or selling a business. You know heading within that transaction that you’re going to go out of balance. However, the key is to be conscious about that and understand what you’re sacrificing in the deal.
What exactly are the secrets good CEOs use to live a balanced life?
I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone who has scored a 10 on all seven elements, so a more reasonable goal may be to find equilibrium with at least half of those sections of your life.
1. Physical health.
However, the body you’ve got is the only body you are likely to get, and it requires you to carry you until the end of the game. That is why it’s critical to keep to maintain your body strong and healthy enough to enable you to do the things which excite you–whether that’s traveling for business or visiting your grandkids. The important thing here is to be fit enough that you don’t have to say “no” to whatever you want to do.
2. Family.
How do you feel about your loved ones’ time? What’s your relationship like with your spouse? Your kids? If you provide yourself a very low score here, it is worth hitting the pause button to create the investment in fixing these relationships. Family members are part of your service network, and you’ll never miss them more than when you’re at your lowest point.
3. Social.
Do you have a robust network of friends or maybe not? Have you got a group of folks you hang out with regularly, possibly to get a book club or to go play football? Otherwise, it’s time to start building such relationships. Having people around you who you enjoy and hope is among the best indications of living a lifetime. If you’re forfeiting relationships like these because you’re working too hard, you are clearly not in equilibrium.
4. Financial.
What exactly does your own personal financial balance sheet look like? Are you on a way to accumulate enough wealth that you will have the ability to enjoy a comfortable retirement? Are your resources increasing over time–or have you ever neglected to create the time to tend your fiscal garden? The trick to personal financial health is to feel in control and know that you have sufficient money to have options. If you’re working too much and you don’t have the money you need, something is clearly missing in the equation.
5. Business.
Whether you’re in charge of your own business or climbing the corporate ladder, ask yourself how energized you should go into work every day. Or, if you own the business, how are things going: Are earnings and profits growing? A number of those who are high achievers might never give themselves a 10 here no matter what. But it’s worth measuring how all that time you are investing in your work is paying off.
6. Civic.
How much time are you can spend on the things you care about in your area? That may mean anything from committing to serving on the PTA or training a sports club –anything that turns you on if you give yourself. Consider it because of your attitude of gratitude. If you haven’t made enough time to return, you are missing out on a real emotional payback, since you’re rewarded by the action of giving. And the important thing here isn’t just signing checks–talent and time are the real gifts.
7. Spiritual.
The final facet of living a balanced lifestyle is the spiritual side. This might be anything from taking a walk in the woods to visiting the church on Sunday–anything matches up to your cup. This is the way we renew ourselves when we are down–and it’s something which can be easily ignored. Should you score low here, be the time to rethink your connection to God, character, or whatever. You will feel refreshed and ready to attack the world.
But I’ll discuss a cautionary tale of what could happen if you find yourself out of balance for a long time. But everybody, including his loved ones, loathed him. He may have been a triumph in the element of business, however, he had no friends, his kids wanted nothing to do with him was to his fourth wife, and he was spiritually bankrupt.