Maintaining Equilibrium:Overcoming a Life In Disarray

      As humans we search constantly for balance, or equilibrium. Equilibrium is best defined as "a state or feeling of mental balance; composure". We search but usually end up with disarray: "A state of disorganization or untidiness." Ever feel like you were meant for something more? Do you feel like a hamster on a wheel that goes as fast as it can, but still ends up in the same place at the end of the day? You know something needs to change but you just cannot put your finger on it. You feel like there are too many things going against you in order to make a change in another direction? You are overwhelmed by the circumstances going on in your life? Well guess what. You are probably part of a large percentage of people worldwide today, and probably more so in these times, then a few years ago. The world has drastically changed due to the economy, technology, world views, etc. Today many of us are getting a dose of reality that is overwhelming us in achieving our dreams.

    Many people come up to me on a consistent basis and ask me, "How in the world do you get everything you get accomplished in the period of time given to you?" We are all given the same 24 hours every day. It was not rocket science to me. After observing their behaviors, I knew why they could not get as much done. They were awful when it came to realizing when to say when. They had no clue when they had shifted focus towards the task at hand. They were more concerned with producing continuous activity versus producing results. To go further, they did not have a clue when other individuals were hindering their progress by just simply talking to them. Most people who are great at things are focused on doing that one thing until completed, and they emphasize enormous focus on doing it well. You cannot be a free spirit if you have a mission to accomplish.
    
    Starting with what you are able to accomplish is the first step. Actions cannot be based on an "All or Nothing" mentality. If you get caught up in what you cannot do, it does not encourage you to do what you are already capable of. I have often heard it called "prosper where you are planted." Work on the things that will get you to point B, but realize you are still at point A at this time. It is easy to look too far past a task, even if it is important to your progress. If you cannot produce 10% of the results, why are you worrying about how to produce 100%?

    Never try with the intent that you can just change your whole world in the course of a few hours, and that you will wake up with massive results tomorrow. Some things can take weeks or years before results are reaped from the efforts made. Some things can just not be accomplished in one sitting. Always remember that setting smaller goals will move you faster to the overall goal waiting to be accomplished. When you do see results, no matter how insignificant, this can lead to you keeping your focus better. When you don't see results, this can be a breaking point for many people. They get so frustrated and overwhelmed they just quit altogether. Regardless of some opinions, to be successful at anything does require two variables: hard work and time.
   
    I think it is vitally important to focus on the present as well as the future. You should have a vision of the end, but don't let it blind you to the present moment. Every small choice you make now will dictate the end result. Just remember that if you are not arriving as fast as you would like, evaluate your present actions towards the future. This is what will keep you going when things get tough. There is nothing wrong with realizing you need a new game plan, erasing the board, and starting over again. Having the patience to go through this process can be the difference between winning and losing.
   
    If you do not have a vision of what you need to do tomorrow it will be hard to reach the goal you set for months or years from now. This is where action comes in. Sometimes just putting that first foot forward when you dread a task is the most important step to getting it done effectively. It might show results tomorrow, it might not. Nonetheless, it is a step in the right direction. Direction is everything, even when we are not moving. It reminds me of the old story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the bible. Where they began to set their eyes is where they ended up. Their story did not end so fortunate, but the same point applies. Do yourself a favor starting RIGHT NOW!Find something you want, set your eyes toward it, and go for it!