Can you really have balance?

Many times members of an audience will ask me how I do all that I do? Do you feel balanced? Clients will ask me to come in and teach employees how to have balance and the truth is that balance is extremely difficult to achieve, if even possible at all.

I like the way Robin Fisher Roffer described it in her book: Make a Name For Yourself
"I don't try to balance work and family. I never have. In my life they are all mixed up. I don't shut it off when I close the door to my office and walk aroudn the corner to my house. I bring it inside and let it pull up a chair. My husband and I talk about it over dinner. It would seem weird to me to drop it at the door, and my family would feel left out if I didn't share this incredibly important aspect of my life with them."

So for all of you who attempt to achieve balance, there may be some hope. Stop trying to give everything equal time exclusively. Find ways to involve each in the other parts of your life... your whole life and recognize that some weeks work will take more time. Some times life will take more time. Maybe the key is to be balanced in our intense desire to achieve perfect balance.

Until we have the honor of meeting in person...
monica@Monicawofford.com

Definition of Management at DMV

This morning I completed a good read by Ken Blanchard. In his recent book: Leading at a Higher Level (www.amazon.com), Ken describes a scenario at his local DMV in which changes from the leader of that office, led to a dramatic reduction in lines and wait times and the frustration of the customers.

Ken asked the leader of this office many questions and one included his definition of a manager, to which the man replied:

" My job [as manager] is to reorganize the department on a moment-to-moment basis, depending on citizen (customer) need."

Perhaps we could all begin to look at our role as managers and leaders in this way - it just might change the way that we not only percieve our job, but perceive others and the needs of customers. After all, it is the employees and the customers that give us a reason to have the role of leader in the first place.

Until we have the privilege of meeting in person....

Choices...

A poignant thought today:
Always remember that you have choices....
A choice of where to work
A choice of where to live
A choice of what to do
A choice to take care of you
A choice to take care of others
A choice to make choices
A choice to be you
A choice to act like someone else
A choice to be happy
A choice to be unhappy
A choice to be glad you woke up today
A choice to criticize what you looked like when you did
A choice to eat brownies in bed
A choice to exercise and eat healthy
A choice to forgive
A choice to forget
A choice to find a way to be grateful

You always, as many of our friends, clients, and family are showing us at Monica Wofford International, have a choice to live your life in the way that allows you to be the best possible you that you can be. It isn't a fluffy statement. It is a reality and something that many forget. The world doens't make your choices for you, you do with your mind, your thoughts, your actions, and your behavior. What have you done to ensure that you are making the right choices for you?