Balance in 2012

I got a new bike that I love commuting to work on, and it’s made me think about balance. It seems like a good topic to meditate on at the beginning of the year, when you’re ready to start fresh and figure out how to get everything done that you want to get done. I realize I’m not alone in thinking about this because I’ve seen lots of blog posts and tweets about balance. I went on a writing retreat, and the word came up in conversation over and over again.

It’s reassuring to hear that I’m not the only one who struggles with balance. I think there are two steps to achieving balance in your life: (1) setting goals, and (2) showing up.

I can set a goal of writing every morning, and so long as I show up in front of my computer, I’ll write.

I can set a goal of eating plenty of fruit every day, and so long as an apple shows up on my plate, I’ll eat it.

I can set a goal of riding my bike to work, and so long as my butt is on the bike seat, I will ride.

I can set a goal of getting enough sleep every night, and so long as I show up in bed, I’ll get my sleep.

Writing, as with everything, needs to be balanced with the rest of your life. Most writers I know don’t just write. They have to do other stuff, too. Even writers who only write have to do other stuff. But none of it will happen if you don’t set a goal and show up for it. Life, of course, is messier than this, but being mindful of the goal and respecting it by showing up can be a powerful thing.