Balance

When people ask me what I do, and I tell them I teach a course called Designing a Balanced Life, longing invariably smears across their faces. “I need that,” is often the response. But then, when asked to conjure an image of balance, they think of a scale or a stack of rocks. I don’t believe we are seeking a static state of equilibrium these images represent, or eternal peace, or even a life without conflict.

Then, what is it we seek when we yearn for balance? Or maybe a better question is this:

If it’s true, in an ever changing world we will never achieve balance, why even try?

More Articles about Balance

Free Decision Making Session with David Delp

  Too much on your Do List? Me too. Every time someone asks me how to decide what to do next I start with the 5 Questions, a simple tool to help you set priorities. Now you can get that tool for free, plus you can get some help from a skilled, caring, somewhat-achy-after-a-recent-bike-accident Mentor.

read on ...

Can the Future Take You to the Present? And What of the Past?

With my father behind me and my daughter in front we enter the dark maze. Out of the hovels of the hutongs through which we tunnel, old men emerge with knives and melons and lawn chairs, sweaty and happy, ready to gamble in the grimy street. Rising up behind them like a spacecraft, like a

read on ...

Face-to-Face Steering Instructions

With all this hoopla about making a life you believe in, it’s time to put my mouth where the money is. So the big ol’ question I’m asking you is this: Are you ready to take the next step? Pilot Fire is all about creating change in your life by taking control of your roles,

read on ...

When is Busyness Good? Craft Your Commitments to Structured Time

Remember when people congratulated you if you told them you’re really busy? Nowadays, there is a backlash against busyness backed by simplistic dichotomies that stress is bad and more leisure time is good or that busyness will actually kill your ability to have a remarkable life. It’s like the new protest created an elite group: People

read on ...

How Will You Get the Cash? The Role of the Breadwinner

Do you need cash? How are you going to get it? I need cash. In my role as Artist I don’t generate cash— not much. And as an Entrepreneur I have yet to build most of the cash machines I’ve designed. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to both roles, energized by my dream to make

read on ...

Cannibalism + 16 Foods to Stop Sucking Your Vitality

We come just after dawn. When resources are scarce, we attack the weakest of us, the deformed and outcast. We invaginate us, drenching our bodies with acid until we are unrecognizable. Then we eat us. We are hungry. We are literally starving. This is not only how we survive; it’s how we purge evil and stay pure.

read on ...

How to Find Balance When You Wear a Thousand Hats

Make no mistake: Balance is necessary for a successful business and a fulfilling life— especially when you play so many roles to stay connected to so many interests, people, and priorities. We all know what it’s like to be tipped off balance, overwhelmed with too many decisions, run ragged, pushed around by other people’s demands,

read on ...

What’s it Like, Designing a Balanced Life? (Short, Super Nifty Video)

As a Stranger, people tell me things they never say directly to their favorite people. As a Designer working with small business, I make a point of calling my clients’ clients to ask them, “What is Michael like when he’s at his best? What makes going to Pat’s so special? How did Deborah change your life?” Then

read on ...

Some Goodies for the Break

Earlier this week, a bunch of us got on the internet and watched me give a presentation on How to Focus on What’s Best during the Holidays. In case you missed it, here’s the buried lede: I’m taking a break for the next 2 weeks. That means your next Pilot Fire article will appear in the new

read on ...