Do you ever feel like your life is a never-ending race with so many things pulling you in different directions?
As you try to have more balance in your life with your goals, family, work, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But here’s something to remember – we can’t do everything all at once, and we’re not meant to. Time management tips aren’t about cramming more in, it’s about prioritizing what truly matters, setting boundaries, and being intentional with our time.
When we focus on what’s most important and let go of the distractions, we find more peace, more joy, and more energy for the things that truly lift us up. When we are able to do this, we are able to live a purpose-driven life.
Finding Balance and Relieving Stress
I have found that the stress levels in my life seem to show up like clockwork. Every three months or so, I find myself feeling agitated, uneasy, overwhelmed, without direction, or lacking in some way. When this happens, I have learned that it is almost always due to an imbalance in my life. I’m typically putting too much emphasis in one area and unintentionally lacking in another. One way that I have found to easily navigate this unnecessary stress is by taking time to reflect on where I am, and where I want to go in the coming days, weeks and even months ahead. To do this, I create a “Balance Wheel”. This is my go-to time management tip.
Here’s how this works:
Step 1: Create
Draw a circle on a piece of paper and divide it into eight sections. Give each section a title to include areas in your life. The eight areas I have found helpful to use are these: Family, physical, finances, career, relationship, fun/recreation, personal learning/growth, and spiritual.
Step 2: Reflect
Think about each section of the balance wheel and determine how you are doing in that particular area of your life. What is required of you in that area and how much time are you giving to it? On a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing “I’m really slacking” and 10 representing, “I’m doing great”, give each section a number. You can either write the number in the section, or you could color it in. (I’m a very visual learner and like to color in each pie section so that I can see the differences in each section.)
Step 3: Evaluate and make a plan
Finally, look at your “Balance Wheel”. What do you notice? Is there an area or two where you feel like you need to put in more time or effort? Is there an area that you need to step back from or even consider setting boundaries?
Looking at my example, I recognize that we recently took a family trip. So my family and fun/recreation areas are doing quite well! However, it took a toll on our finances and also set me back in some work obligations. My nutrition and physical fitness have also slacked. It was a much needed and incredible trip. However, looking at this diagram, I know I need to spend some time in those areas now that we’ve returned. I also want to set a new goal for myself in personal learning and growth. Maybe I’ll decide to read a new book or learn a new skill. I want to take a little time today to think about how to improve in this area and improve the overall balance in my life.
Move Forward with Purpose
Every time I use this time management tip, it takes a weight off my shoulders and allows me to see where I need to place my priorities. It gives me direction, purpose and reminds me what is most important in my life.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much we can squeeze into our schedule but it’s about making time for the things that truly matter most. As we learn to prioritize, set boundaries, and be intentional with our time, we not only reduce stress but also create space for joy, growth, and the people we love. Life will always be busy. It’s time to take control of your time, intentionally manage your time and move forward with purpose.
Quote to ponder
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” -Stephen R. Covey
Question to consider
Is there an area in your life that needs more attention? What can you do today to improve in that area and find more balance in your life?
Click on the links below to learn more about finding balance
- Simplify Life: Finding Peace in a Hectic World: Feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? Discover how to simplify life, find peace in the chaos and reconnect with what matters most.
- Mindset Minute Video – Finding Balance in Life: Comedian James Perry shares a time in his life where he had to slow down and focus on what mattered most.