“Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” – Einstein
“Ohmmm. Ohhmmm. I have now achieved balance.” Ahhh.
That’s what we seem to think balance is — sitting in the lotus position on the mountain top.
Or perfectly aligned scales, swaying gently in the breeze.
Bliss. Ease.
Who doesn’t want that?
But have you ever noticed that usually, as soon as you think you’ve “got” balance in your life, it’s gone, like a puff of smoke – poof!
Feeling out of balance doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you.
It’s just that balance isn’t a destination, or fixed point.
Balance is dynamic, temporary, and highly interactive.
It’s not just something to be achieved or accomplished as an end point.
If you’re seeking more balance in your life or work (and who isn’t?), try this out:
1) Stand up, and balance on one foot, without holding onto anything.
Hang out here for 30 seconds or so, just staying with the experience.
What is this experience like?
What do you notice in your body?
What helps you stay up?
You might notice wobbling in your leg or ankle; naturally using your hands or arms to help you balance; finding a fixed point to stare at to help you focus.
Whatever your experience is, notice it: this is your experience of balance, and there are probably some clues from this physical experience that relates what it helpful to you to regain balance in the rest of your body.
It might be relaxing, not tensing up; it might be feeling deeply rooted into the ground; it might be using muscles you’ve forgotten you’ve had; or focusing on a fixed point, like a goal.
Whatever your way is of balancing, notice it & use it. Your version of balance, like riding a bicycle, is something you can practice.
2) You can actually use this exercise as a way of measuring or assessing your own current state of balance. If you are feeling off balance, stand on one foot and see what is there.
If you find yourself wobbly, what needs to be strengthened?
What other resources can be called in or used to help you regain your footing?
Where can you focus?
In the Comments below, I’d love to hear from you and your experience with balance. Try this exercise, and tell me:
– What did you learn about balance from standing on one foot?
– How could you use this idea of balance in your own life as a leader?
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Image credit: iStock
Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
I’m TOTALLY with you on this one! Maintaining balance is a very dynamic process – almost moment to moment. We get off course and then shift things around to course correct. For me, I don’t think life can ever be perfectly balanced but that a rhythm is more realistic.
Thanks for the comment, Natasha! It is a delicate balancing act – rhythm is a great way to describe it. I’m glad if the post connected for you!
Thanks for the exercise that gets me out of my chair! I’m sitting too much staring at my computer. Appreciate the great reminder that balance is not a fixed point but a dyanamic process. I’m recall that’s the case every time I try to fix a balance between work and family. It’s never a fixed point–always a moving target.
Denise, it’s always good to get out of a chair, isn’t it!? Thanks for trying it out – I’m always happy if I can help people get moving in work or life! And so true, balance is a moving target! Thanks for your comment!
I had to laugh about balance — it seems like I am never there, so the reminder that “balance” is dynamic is a good one. I just finished reading TIME magazine’s story on Sheryl Sandberg and her book LEAN IN, and the ideas that women “do” leadership differently than men. I believe that to be the case, and this posting on balance pointed that out for me so clearly. Thanks.
Elaina, you’re welcome! So glad if it was helpful. I haven’t read “Lean In” yet but it certainly is getting a lot of buzz! I’d agree from observation that women do “do” leadership differently than men – and that finding the way to honor that authentically is key. Thanks for your comment and your insights!
Such a smart way to think about balance. So often we talk about balance as a goal that can be accomplished or resolved. But the truth is much more complex. And interesting! Thanks for the great post.
Glad you enjoyed it, Deirdre!
Absolutely invaluable reminder that balance is not an endpoint, but a constant process. And thank you for the exercise that shows it is something that we must actively work to maintain. This week when I’m frustrated I will stand on one foot as a reminder! 😉
Love it, Heidi! I’d love to hear how the “one foot” practice goes for you! : )
Thanks for your comment!
I think women leaders are more collaborative and that they seek to build consensus. The exercise taught me to identify, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats (SWOT) analysis in the exercise. Seeking opportunities to strengthen my weaknesses against factors that challenge my balance, I instinctively chose my strongest leg to stand on. I relaxed and focused on a picture with the caption, “Be still and know that I Am God”.
I was able to stand for a few minutes without much wobbling!
Gwen, thanks for trying out the exercise and for sharing your experience. Focus, building on strengths, and knowing we will wobble when we are trying something new are all great lessons to take from this! Thanks for your comment – stop by again soon!