How to Start Building A Balanced Life
So far for 2021 we posted three blogs entitled: How to Protect Your Business and Income In A Pandemic; How to Start An Online Marketing Business Now and Stop Thinking and Start your Online Business Now. These blogs looked at different ways for us to generate income by transitioning our existing business or hobbies into an online business as a result of Coivd-19.
Online Opportunity
These blogs specifically targeted Trinidad and Tobago because I believe as a nation we have the ability to bounce back big and come back strong. Yes, our borders are still closed; however, the internet is open 24/7 and the internet usage is even higher now. As I mentioned in my last blog, if you start to do business online via social media or by your website, you need to be disciplined and patient. Do the required research based on your niche; organize a plan; implement your plan and review your results constantly. No matter where you live in the world, the following is for you.
Balance
Last year was a challenging year and with those challenges came opportunities, not only for online business but also for our spiritual life and our family life. We need to have balance in our lives; our business and career are important because we need income. However, the other two are also very important. I understand that not everybody will agree with what I am going to write about, but I strongly believe we all need balance and this is the order for me: Spiritual, Family and Business. And yes, I am hearing you screaming, what about the physical? That is also important and you are right. The question is: how passionate are you towards these areas?
The 12 Week Year
Why are we seeking to generate income? Is this income only for us? Or is it for someone else? Why? I am not a psychologist; however, I know there are reasons for our actions. The situation dictates the amount of action or energy we apply to get the goal done. This speaks to the level of importance we place on the particular goal. Two years ago I read a book by Brian Morgan and Michael Lennington called “the 12 week year”, get more done in 12 weeks than others get done in 12 months. This is a very powerful concept for those who have goals and may have struggled in the past when it comes to setting and hitting targets.
Emotional Connection
In chapter three of this book they speak about being emotionally connected to our goals; of course, they should be based on a personal vision. This vision should be one you feel so passionate about, that no matter what challenges come your way the dream, your dream will still be accomplished. You will also understand why we don’t accomplish some of the goals we set after reading this chapter. Invest in you and buy this book along with the “12 week year field guide” — they go hand in hand.
Spiritual
You will also get a deeper appreciation for the three areas of concern in our lives: spiritual, family and business. Our spiritual life is absolutely important, and sometimes we only see its importance when we are in a crisis; then we will find time for God. I hope I don’t lose anybody here, however, I understand I might. It is written in the Holy Bible in the book of Matthew chapter 6 verses 33 that we should “seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. By doing this it will help to keep us balance and grounded as we journey through the years we have been given.
Family
There are two occasions that usually bring families together: weddings and funerals. Before Covid-19 some of us didn’t even have time for our immediate family, far less for our extended families. We shouldn’t neglect them because they are our lifeline, our legacy and according to my brother-in-law they are his Accountability Partners. Stop for a moment and look at your family if they’re around. If they’re not, do you have a picture of them close by? Look at them; that is your Why. Your Accountability Partners.
Structure
For those of you with young children, I know this time is difficult because you have to work from home and make sure your children are prepared for online schooling. These days we need structure, we need to have a detailed workable plan to follow on a daily basis. We can all learn from this period if we take the time to think through the situation, so it’s not only about our online presence, but it’s also about trying to strike a balance.
Conclusion
In the areas of Spiritual, Family and Business (SFB) we need to perform at a high level; we need to do our very best when we preform in these three areas. As you build, remember you are building three structures, not just one, and our effort should be equally divided as they grow. We need to put in checks and balances to ensure we stay on track. Get the “12 Week Year” and the “12 Week Year Field Guide”. When you research, try and remember to research the three areas. Get the required knowledge and then apply it to all areas of our life. This is the end, but for some it just the beginning.