This week I’ve written about three people I admire, Gerry and Julie Andersen, and Lance Berkman. They each have accomplishments that many people would envy.

Rather than envy I examine what helps someone become a success and look for ways to apply similar principles in my own life.

Today I was reminded of these seven strategies an unknown author suggested for a balanced life.  As I have sought to embrace these strategies as disciplines I have found more balance in my life.  Perhaps if you practice these strategies you’ll experience more balance too.

A Balanced Life

The Pro Bowl is the NFL’s version of an all-star game. Pro Bowl players are selected by votes from the coaches, players and fans, each of which count for a third of the votes. 

Choosing the best possible players doesn’t guarantee success.  Each player still has the responsibility to perform at his highest level in concert with his fellow teammates.

Game Planning

If you could choose a roster of friends would you have chosen someone like yourself? If you could game plan how you relate to your friends would you make the same choices that you have? If you could game plan how your friends related to you would you make the same choices that they do?

Taz, our dog, usually ran into his “dog run” to take care of “his business.” 1

In his last months, despite his best intentions he didn’t always make it. That’s inconvenient, but it’s not a problem when it’s outside, someone notices what’s going on and she or he responds promptly.

On-the-other-hand, it can become a big problem if:
– Inside, not outside, well, hopefully he made it into the kitchen.
– Someone fails to notice, and there is now an unforeseen minefield awaiting.
– Someone fails to respond, and now there the minefield is caused by neglect too.

Unresolved anger tsunamis relationships.

In an office or a coffee shop I’ve met many men who believe that they could conquer their anger only to later find themselves swept under the wave of feelings they never saw coming.

Seemingly successful in every way they were destroyed by their delusions.

Corporate executives and daily laborers, academic professionals and the uneducated, men, women, young and old we’re all affected emotionally by hurt feelings, blocked goals, unmet needs and the internal challenges of anger.

We manage our feelings with our unique combination of strategies. Some strategies work better than others.