Balance: Redefining Success

In what seems like a century ago, people had no trouble deciding what to do in their spare time. Leisure time meant just that. It was an opportunity to do what you wanted, when you wanted and how you wanted. It was a time to recharge your batteries, rest, relax, take it easy, maybe indulge in a little recreational activity. But things have changed dramatically and living in the 1990's is rushed and stressful.

One of the sources of stress comes from our constant search for ways to do more. As organizations both large and small downsize and rightsize, those who remain are being asked to do more and more, often with fewer resources. Societal norms and expectations have shifted to support this state of affairs: society now confers status on people who are busy. We receive strokes, recognition, rewards and approbation from friends and associates for being constantly on the go. Having a calendar jammed full of appointments is considered 'life in the fast lane'. Even in our non-work hours, 'busy-ness' is associated with importance. We even rush on our way to exercise, an activity designed to lower our stress levels!

The dilemma is this: How can we get more time to accommodate all of the demands placed upon us?

We all have numerous things in our lives competing for attention. The key to the effective use of time is in knowing where we want to go, saying 'no' to extraneous demands, and being comfortable moving at a sane pace. We can accomplish a vast amount when we are clearly focused. As attractive as the idea is, do not be deceived into thinking that activity, excessive speed and vast amounts of overtime automatically make for quality production. It does not. Another caution: regaining balance in our lives doesn't happen magically when we manage our time well. It encompasses finding purpose, reducing stress, setting goals, and simplifying our lives.

It appears that we are losing sight of what is quite probably our ultimate goal to have fun and enjoy our lives. We cannot be all things to all people, nor satisfy everyone's needs. The most effective time managers are not dull, rigid calendar-carrying robots who, once set on a course, roll inexorably forward, flattening everything in their paths without thought or backward glance. It is so easy to let our desire for high performance drive us to a situation where no matter how much we do it is never enough. If our standards for achievement are so high as to be virtually impossible, we are generating our own stress, which leads to burn-out. We make a tough situation even worse. It is vital that we keep out perspective and establish realistic expectations for ourselves at work and at home.

When our work load increases our desire to spend time with family, engage in volunteer activities, work in the community, have time for hobbies, etc., remains. How do we do it all? The best way to save time is not by speeding up and trying to force more and more into the same blocks of time. The best way to "get it all done" is to do fewer things. It is by trading one item in favor of another. Being selective about our choices and clear about high priorities is the key.

In our personal and professional lives, we are continually trying to find those extra few minutes. The rise in fast-foods, wash and wear fabrics, express banking and personal computers are all testimonials to our desire to do things faster and easier. The next time you buy a microwavable "Dinner for Two"- think about that hour of free time you gained. Then spend that time on something really important to you in your life. I believe it to be true that no one, on their death bed, ever wished they spent more time at the office. It is time to re-define success for our lives - to create a personal definition that incorporates all the richness of life in a satisfying balance.

Odette Pollar is a nationally known speaker, author, and consultant to business, government, and industry. She founded TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, a training firm based in Oakland, California. Her book, Organizing Your Workspace: A Guide to Personal Productivity (Crisp, 1992) is available for $9.95 per copy (plus $3.50 S & H). Call TMS at 1-800-599-TIME or mail to 1441 Franklin Street, Suite 301, Oakland, California 94612.