Apr 18 2011: I'd be interested to know how many folks measure their own "GNH", or Gross National Happiness. I think that's a place to start raising awareness. Clarifying Vision, Values and Needs, and measuring how well your life is alignment with those - on a Life-to-Date, annual, monthly and daily basis. By defining what happiness looks like (for you)and raising your awareness of where you are with with those measures, you can take concrete steps to raise your personal happiness and see what works best, share that, and spread out like the proverbial ripples in the pond.
Apr 18 2011: I agree, Geron. Balance is not a concept that is taught in schools. And balance doesn't look the same for everyone. It's discovering what the right balance between work, play, family, and personal time looks like for you, and learning how to design your life around that.
Feb 21 2011: I agree that we alone are responsible for not only ensuring our balance, but designing what that looks like for us as individuals. My idea of balance is probably not yours, and certainly it's not the responsibility of corporations to figure it out. I think that Rewards (fancy vacations, second homes, sports cars, etc) can get confused with Balance/Peace (feeling like all of your dimensions of being human are being addressed on a somewhat regular basis). I find that setting some goals on at least an annual basis about how you want to design life balance provides some direction. And before that, getting really clear on what values you want to base your life around.
My "mantra" for work-life balance is Wag, Live, Love - it's not just for dogs. We get so caught up in Doing all the time, that we don't give enough attention to simple practices that can cultivate happiness and positivity on a consistent basis. Agree with Nigel that simple things like walking the dogs, listening to inspiring music, or cooking a beautiful meal are the building blocks for a satisfying life. Happiness is available right here and right now - not after retirement, not when you meet the right person, not when your career takes off. We just have to choose it and practice it until we master it.
Feb 21 2011: I agree that we alone are responsible for not only ensuring our balance, but designing what that looks like for us as individuals. My idea of balance is probably not yours, and certainly it's not the responsibility of corporations to figure it out. I think that Rewards (fancy vacations, second homes, sports cars, etc) can get confused with Balance/Peace (feeling like all of your dimensions of being human are being addressed on a somewhat regular basis). I find that setting some goals on at least an annual basis about how you want to design life balance provides some direction. And before that, getting really clear on what values you want to base your life around.
My "mantra" for work-life balance is Wag, Live, Love - it's not just for dogs. We get so caught up in Doing all the time, that we don't give enough attention to simple practices that can cultivate happiness and positivity on a consistent basis. Agree with Nigel that simple things like walking the dogs, listening to inspiring music, or cooking a beautiful meal are the building blocks for a satisfying life. Happiness is available right here and right now - not after retirement, not when you meet the right person, not when your career takes off. We just have to choose it and practice it until we master it.
Feb 21 2011: Hi Andrew,
I am a big believer in simple practices cultivating happiness. For me, these include walking the dogs every single morning, in sunshine, rain or blizzards, and appreciating all of them. Making a CD of music that inspires me and listening to it on a regular basis. The deliciousness of a phone call with a friend with whom I've not spoken in a while. Taking a hike in a beautiful place. Playing with a dog. Meditating for 20 minutes. Have a book full of these practices, Wag Live Love. I think the conscious act of taking time to Stop and do something that's not inherently "productive" contributes to s sense of well being and balance. It's taking a stand for yourself.
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A comment on Talk: Chip Conley: Measuring what makes life worthwhile
A reply on Talk: Chip Conley: Measuring what makes life worthwhile
A comment on Talk: Nigel Marsh: How to make work-life balance work
My "mantra" for work-life balance is Wag, Live, Love - it's not just for dogs. We get so caught up in Doing all the time, that we don't give enough attention to simple practices that can cultivate happiness and positivity on a consistent basis. Agree with Nigel that simple things like walking the dogs, listening to inspiring music, or cooking a beautiful meal are the building blocks for a satisfying life. Happiness is available right here and right now - not after retirement, not when you meet the right person, not when your career takes off. We just have to choose it and practice it until we master it.
A comment on Conversation: What is your mantra for work-life balance?
My "mantra" for work-life balance is Wag, Live, Love - it's not just for dogs. We get so caught up in Doing all the time, that we don't give enough attention to simple practices that can cultivate happiness and positivity on a consistent basis. Agree with Nigel that simple things like walking the dogs, listening to inspiring music, or cooking a beautiful meal are the building blocks for a satisfying life. Happiness is available right here and right now - not after retirement, not when you meet the right person, not when your career takes off. We just have to choose it and practice it until we master it.
A reply on Talk: Nigel Marsh: How to make work-life balance work
I am a big believer in simple practices cultivating happiness. For me, these include walking the dogs every single morning, in sunshine, rain or blizzards, and appreciating all of them. Making a CD of music that inspires me and listening to it on a regular basis. The deliciousness of a phone call with a friend with whom I've not spoken in a while. Taking a hike in a beautiful place. Playing with a dog. Meditating for 20 minutes. Have a book full of these practices, Wag Live Love. I think the conscious act of taking time to Stop and do something that's not inherently "productive" contributes to s sense of well being and balance. It's taking a stand for yourself.