Time, Energy and Attention

Now that you have your list of “wants” or “goals” in your different areas, it’s time to check and see how they fit together. Today, let’s talk about goal-setting for a well-balanced life.

When you think about growing as a person, there are many distinct areas you can consider. Do you want to grow as a spouse or parent, in your social relationships, in your job or career? What about your physical and mental health, your intellectual pursuits, your spiritual life? You can also grow in the things you do for fun or in your involvement with your community. Remember, the choices are ours to make. There are no “have to’s” here.

Have you ever known anyone who puts so much energy into growth in one or two areas that they ignore or neglect the others? This is one thing that you probably want to avoid, in order to fulfill the promise of each area of your life. A good way to stay both on track and in balance is to write out goals for every distinct area in your life. While you are at it, check to be sure that your goals fit together in a consistent manner, complimenting each other in the totality of your growth.

For example, you have a goal to become a better father. However, if your career and personal goals take you away from home a great deal, or leave you too preoccupied to function well when you are at home, you might want to take another look at your priorities and adjust your focus.

This is a good way to help you clarify your values too. Make a list of your values and match them to your list of goals. Do they match or is there a disconnect? What is most important to your life? Why? Is that where most of your time, energy, and attention are going? Do you feel that your goals are helping you become a more well-balanced person?

These are important questions to ask yourself, because they go to the very core of your being – your philosophy of life.