I have been struggling with this idea of balance. Living a “balanced” life. Is it really achievable? Or is it an unrealistic concept?
I was listening to a podcast (Spartan Up!) the other day that talked about this concept. Spartan founder Joe De Sena was interviewing entrepreneur Raul Villacis who said “If you want balance, join the circus!”
I just laughed.
It’s so true.
Balance is a myth.
You can’t have balance between all the various parts and roles of your life. I can’t find balance between being a wife, a daughter, a teacher, a grad school student, a pianist, a friend, an athlete, an avid reader.
The solution: INTEGRATION.
All these parts of your life are connected.
When you’re at home with your family, be 100% with them.
When you are doing your job, be 100% in your job.
When you are working out, do that 100%.
When you are studying for school, do that at 100%.
There’s no 25%/25%/25%/25%.
It’s 100% INTEGRATION.
I just LOVE this concept.
The idea of balance is when you are trying to do everything.
Yes, we can believe in the concept of being able to do anything. But we can’t do everything. So just focus 100% on the one thing you are doing in this moment.
It truly takes all the pressure off. Because there is a sense of perfectionism when it comes to balance. You have to play all these roles perfectly. With the idea of integration, you don’t have to stress about that. Just do the one role you are doing RIGHT NOW with 100% of your effort and focus.
Screw balance. Focus on INTEGRATION.
Do what makes you happy.