Trying to Balance It All? Start With One Thing at a Time

When I was a child, I had a hamster named Ralph. I would watch him hop on his wheel and run like he was sprinting into the abyss. Of course, he would always start his “run” at night right as I was getting ready for bed, which makes total sense since hamsters are nocturnal. I often think of this analogy of Ralph on his wheel, running in the dark, when I talk with clients about their efforts to create a life balance plan. It's never that someone is trying to get one thing done or embarking on implementing one new thing into their daily routine; it's always many things. And always all at once.

I did not have this trap in mind when I was creating my app, KIP. The irony of this first release is that you can create trackers for as many things as you would like to implement in

your life, all while trying to remain happy and peaceful. But it doesn't work like that. We know this intellectually, yet we still push all day long, every day, to do more and to do it with perfection. Life is a balancing act, but choosing to do just one thing at a time slows down the noise, anchors you fully in the present moment, and opens the door to lasting peace and happiness. It takes the pressure off our nervous system and allows our minds to be truly at ease.

Right now, we have more tools at our fingertips than ever to aid with the pressure of multitasking, yet we can't seem to stop the cycle that is driving us all mad. Ralph wasn't trying to drink from his water bottle, eat his food, and run on his wheel all at once. He would get on that wheel and laser focus on exactly what he was doing. When he was done, he was done. Animals are great examples of focusing on one thing at a time. Sometimes we need a little outside help with this. I recently enlisted a personal trainer to help me stay focused and on task with strength training. After trying for a very long time, I realized I couldn't stay disciplined on my own. I also didn't want to injure myself, so now I simply show up and focus on this one thing. That's it.

Start with whatever is burning the most for you to focus on or accomplish. Start right there and stick with it until you feel complete or until it becomes naturally integrated into your lifestyle. Don't get enticed by the shiny objects that will inevitably creep in; stay your course and stay focused.

Lastly, but important:

• I extended grace to myself today

• I was kind to myself today

• I rested today 

• I ate well and drank water 

• I intentionally choose wisely 

You’ve got this!

With love,

Kendra