In these fast-paced recessionary times, the out-of-balance feeling is very common. A big part of this issue is "I" thinking, as in "I must", "I oughta", "I gotta". Our targets wind us up tight and when the busy world interferes with us, we feel like we have to push ourselves even harder. Repeat the cycle a few thousand times and you're complaining about work-life balance, feeling trapped in your organization, and looking to escape to a new career. Sound familiar?

It's best to think of balance as an input to working rather than an output. That's the ANE leader's way. By keeping our essential core, our spiritual center, balanced as we make choices, the subsequent outcomes are naturally more balanced for us and our team.

Try it this week. Any time you feel pulled down a frenetic path, try simply stopping, doing nothing, and getting yourself to that spiritually calm, confident, and connected place. I find repeating phrases to myself really helps. I think to myself: Please show me a better pathway, right now! Sometimes I have to repeat it many times! 

But the pathway from that point always has more balance because I tried.

Stephen 

Calm, Confident, Connected
Grounded, Growing, Grateful 

November 15, 2010