Journaling for a Balanced Life

Ryan had spent two weeks for business travel and although his meetings were productive and his sales were exceptional, he somehow felt that his life was out of kilter - that something was missing. He wondered how the success he'd experienced could be producing such an ill feeling?

He decided to at least try to do what his coach had suggested, pull out his journal and explore his unclear feelings on paper. He soon discovered how out-of-balance he had become with this new job. He loved the job, the challenge, the people and the potential; however, it was taking more of a toll on him than he had realized.

As with each of us, balancing family, work, play, alone time, and social activities is Ryan's key to success. But, how is it possible for him to achieve this with his mushrooming work schedule?

"If it worked once" Ryan conjured "why not try it again?"? He created an outline for a more balanced week that included each of the activities mentioned above. He soon discovered it was not that hard once he outlined his plan on paper, rather than having it in the form of random musings in his mind.

Now he was on a roll. He further outlined who he wanted to see. It was his intention to connect with an old friend or work buddy every day during the first week to set up something - anythinglunch, dinner, an outing, or racquetball. Placing it on the schedule would be enough to give him the sense of freedom that accompanies balance.

Now his week was set. He knew who he would contact and when. Much to Ryan's complete and utter surprise, each of the five individuals on his list contacted him that very Saturday. This is a true story. An out-of-town relative called for a surprise lunch. A long lost friend called for a spur-of-the-moment dinner.

By the end of that day, Ryan had plans with each person on the list. It worked like clockwork. He was no longer surprised when the last person on his list e-mailed him around 4:00 p.m. to suggest a poker game with the gang.

Why did all of this come together so effortlessly for Ryan? Though it is not always this easy, the theory goes back to the bible: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7. The problem is that each of us processes 60,000 thoughts a day. Merely thinking about something in the midst of so many competing thoughts is often not quite enough to make it happen.

Slowing down your mind to actually write your intentions down provides that extra edge. This activates both sides of the brain and encourages creativity, envisioning how this can come together. This deeper envisioning process generates a synergy that creates activity. I delight in seeing this over and over again in my executive coaching practice.

My clients move at a very fast pace, making huge, bold decisions quickly. While many balk at having to write their goals/intentions/dreams down, they are often amazed at having accomplished them a few short months later.

Be courageous. Follow Ryan's example this week. Get a tablet to write on, let yourself dream about some desire (something you don't currently have but want), be precise about what it is and write it down. You can boost your success and achieve the balance that will get you there. Have a great week and enjoy your discoveries.