I once wrote down a list of all of the things we are responsible for in our every day life. If we did everything we had to do each day, from cleaning, to cooking, to working, to reading, to errands, to taking care of children, pets, our significant others, and ourselves, I added up that we would need to have a 42 hour day to fit it all in.
Now, I don't know about you, but I'm good with 24 hours in a day. It's not trying to cram more things into less time, but rather, it's about finding a balance in the things you really want, and placing your energy into the things that matter the most.
Need a reminder as to how to place focus on the things that matter the most? Need a daily visual to encourage to you split out your time between work and play?
Go to Home Depot, Lowe's or any hardware store and buy yourself an inexpensive level. You know, the kind you use to help yourself hand a picture or to see if a shelf is straight. I found one for $3.17. Place that level somewhere that you see it every day, and make sure that you place in a level position, with the bubble in the middle.
This is a reminder that when you place too much emphasis on one thing or another, your bubble moves from center and you become off balance in your life. This also is a great way of saying to live in the moment... when you spend too much time worrying about the future, or when you spend too much time letting the past dictate your future... again, the bubble moves from center.
Find your balance and use this visual to keep you on track - remember the things and the energy that is most important in your life! It's not about fitting it all in, it's about fitting in the most important things and having a blend of work, family, friends, play and me-time.