At the end of the day, I love pushing hard to be successful in my career and professional relationships. I’m proud of my career accomplishments to date. As I continue to grow, I’m learning that balance makes me even more effective. Do you live to work or work so you may live?
Many who think they have balance may be surprised by what their closest friends or family would say. I once was that person. I now strive for equilibrium among the things that matter most. James Patterson expressed this beautifully in Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas:
“Imagine life as a game in which you juggle five balls — work, family, health, friends, and integrity. Work is a rubber ball. If dropped, it bounces back. The others are glass. Drop one and it may be scratched or shattered. Once you learn that, you begin to find balance.”
“I don’t care how poor a man is; if he has family, he is rich.” — Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford
My family means the world to me. Yet like many professionals, I’ve neglected them at times — traveling for work, glued to screens, or half-present when together. I now commit to prioritizing family and reminding others that it must come first.
“The family — that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor wish to.” — Dodie Smith
“A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to care for his tools.” — Spanish Proverb
It took weight gain, rising blood pressure, and constant fatigue to wake me up. I took a sabbatical, became vegan, slept more, and felt renewed. Even small consistent steps protect your health before crisis strikes.
“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.” — Gautama Siddharta
Parents can teach how to find friends but not how to be one. True friendship accepts all of you — good and bad. A small gesture or message can mean everything. Invest time and energy into friendships. You’ll never regret it.
“If everyone were clothed with integrity, the other virtues would be nearly useless.” — Molière
Reputation is built on trust. I always choose integrity over convenience. Trust is like an eraser; it gets smaller with every mistake.
“Let no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee… for a good conscience is a continual Christmas.”
Work success matters, but not at the cost of relationships, health, or integrity. I understand the lesson of the five balls and now aim to live it every day.
Seek balance. Find balance. Live balanced.