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Life doesn’t present us with a clear, unobstructed road. On our way, we get potholes, roadblocks, and mudslides. Our lives spin out of control. We lose our jobs. Our businesses falter. Our children seem to have grown up overnight and we are not the center of their world anymore. We fall out of love. Stress and lack of self care take their toll.

Life is complicated. We think we can divide our lives into neatly separated domains and keep them apart. Unfortunately, we can’t do it. No matter how hard we try. If you’re not happy at work, it’s going to affect how you interact with your loved ones. If you’re miserable at home, it’s going to affect the level of energy and creativity you bring to the office.

When things at work begin to escalate, you become consumed. Work goes with you everywhere. You take it home with you. The more intense your work is, the more it invades every aspect of your personal life. Your children try to attract your attention and you become impatient. The people who love you try to come closer and you push them away. “They don’t understand,” you think. “I am under so much pressure.”  “Why can’t they leave me alone?”

Then guilt strikes. “Why do I have to be so short tempered? I love my kids and they just want to be with me. What is happening to me? I didn’t use to be this way. What can I do?”

Well, since guilt never amounts to anything good, let’s start by figuring out how work-life balance looks to you. Do you have a clear picture of what you would like life to be? Have you ever taken the time to “see”your life?

Life balance is not about equally dividing your time and attention. Life balance is about being present and doing what is asked of you in the moment. Being in the moment doesn’t mean you don’t have a plan. Life balance is about having a vision and holding a steady course towards making that vision a reality.

Today, take fifteen minutes out of your busy schedule and dream. Dream of your best life. That’s a great first step.

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