BUILDING FOR BALANCE

Is Your Life Out of Balance?

If you saw a competitive bodybuilder whose right arm was massive, lifting an 80-pound dumbbell, while their left arm looked as skinny as a 7-year-old’s, what would you think? Ummm…Something’s out of balance, right?  This example illustrates what happens when driven business leaders pour all their energy into work but lose motivation when they get home.

Success at Work, Struggles at Home

Many of my friends and clients don’t understand why their business success doesn’t translate into fulfilling relationships with their spouses, friends, and kids.  The desire is there, but they look at me helplessly, saying they’re too tired to be energetic, creative, and engaged at home like they are at work. Ironically, if asked the reason they work so hard, the answer is, “for the family”. Yet their exhaustion keeps them from truly being present. Therefore, they are out of balance, and they know it!

The Trap of Positive Reinforcement

We all like to win. We love to see a high ROI on our efforts. We crave good feedback, and let’s be honest—the power of positive reinforcement is strong. When people at work constantly tell you how awesome you are, and your earnings prove it, you start believing your own press. Before you know it, you’re so proud of your metaphorical right arm—the part of your life that gets the spotlight and rewards —that you unconsciously ignore your weaker side, the obvious relationships you’ve neglected.

Blind Spots and Imbalance

Here’s the problem: pride in your strengths can blind you to your weaknesses. Don’t be fooled—over time, people notice the imbalance. Just like in the gym, it makes no sense to overwork one arm while completely neglecting the other. Similarly, only putting effort into one area of life while ignoring another is a recipe for frustration.  Think about how you turn to your “good side” when posing for a picture for Instagram. Your followers see that nice chiseled arm, but others notice the weaker side. Eventually, everyone will see the reality, and we just don't want you to be the last one to know. Self–awareness is an ongoing process.

Building Strength in Every Area

A strong, healthy life comes from a consistent, thoughtful routine in all areas. Sporadic efforts won’t cut it. When you intentionally invest in both your professional and personal relationships, you build a balanced life—one where you’re just as proud of your personal growth as you are of your career success.

There is Good News

There is good news. You have a choice. The same drive that fuels your professional success can also create thriving relationships at home and in your community. It takes humble confidence and intentional decision-making to live the life you will be proud of in 10 years. Being a leader in all areas of your life takes effort, and it’s worth it. Use your tools. Use your calendar and make intentional “dates” with loved ones. Use your reminder tool to make sure you remember to appreciate your key people in their love language.

What Are You Willing to Invest?

The question is…What are you willing to invest to create more balance? What can you say “No” to or “Wait” to, so you can say “Yes” to what matters most?

Your Coaching Moment:

Examine your key relationships right now. What is one relationship that needs your attention the most? What can you do this week to take a step to strengthen it? What will you do to proactively address any excuse or fear that may hinder your success?  Who will hold you accountable?

It matters! You matter! They matter!

Work-life balance isn’t a myth—it’s a muscle. And like any muscle, it grows when you work at it. Are you ready to start building?

Be The Best You Can Be, Today!

Your Coach,

P.S. Personal Sutherland Family update - We are working hard around here. I have new Shandel Group clients that are bringing me more joy than ever. This year marks my 25th as a coach. I was such a baby when I started. LOL. I love it more every year and I so appreciate all of you who have journeyed with me for 2.5 decades. You will learn more about that 25-year thing later as the anniversary draws closer.

Our little bowling alley experienced some MAJOR renovations and upgrades. We are excited for Sierra Bella Lanes’ future. We, for sure, get to practice all our Shandel Group principles, and they do work… AND leadership is hard work, is it not? We are with you, and we need to get to the gym for some left arm bicep curls if you know what I mean? Wink wink!

Scott and I just had birthdays. For his, Scott got a new cat, “TIG” and she is a lover. You all know that I publicly repented on Facebook for my disdain for cats, right? I am now a cat person…kinda, but Scott loves them…and I love him. Bella is now a 14-year-old senior citizen, and she ignores the cat, so the cat ignores her. All is well in the Sutherland household.

And remember, yes it is only Spring, end of Q1… but remember to change our address for 2025 Christmas cards : PO Box 1084 Quincy, CA 95971