When I first decided that I would venture out on my own, far away from the security of a regular paycheck from Uncle Sam, I spent a considerable amount of time determining what values would form the foundation of my new business venture. Last month, I shared the importance of recognizing, identifying and intentionally forming colorful connections – surrounding yourself in business and in life with people who want what is truly best for you and tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear.

When the design was complete and the concrete was being poured, the foundation of Upside Thinking, Inc. rested on three solid principles – 1) Priorities: 1- Health/Self; 2-Family & 3-Work; 2) Everyone desires happiness, success and meaning; 3) You are... where you choose to be. Throw a little quantum physics in there and you’ve got the secret recipe for Upside Thinking, Inc. When I determine whether to work with a client, I make my decision based on whether they are in agreement and alignment with those principles.

Because I’m often asked about principle #1 by many of my faith-based friends who argue that God should come first on my list, let me explain that after 18 years of parochial schooling and participating in ministry work for most of my adult life, my spirituality and faith journey are part of who I am and cannot separated from the self category. It’s like saying I failed to include breathing on my list of priorities. To further define principle #1, if you don’t take care of your health and put your self first, you can not properly give to your family (or your work). If you have unmet needs in your family, you cannot adequately give to your work. And, if you ignore the work/life balance, self, family and/or work will suffer.

How often do you or one of your loved ones work more than 45 hours per week? Long work days and little or no vacation has become commonplace in the United States. Many Americans are “unbalanced”, believing their work is an investment in their future, hoping to retire earlier or reward themselves later. However, regardless of your socio-economic standing or family background, each one of us receives the same 24 hour allotment per day. Additionally, there is no guarantee that “later” will ever arrive and, if it does, it may not be packaged the way we might have expected. Therefore, treasure each moment and understand it is a gift – that’s why it’s called the present!

Life is a balancing act. This month, I encourage you to think about where you are spending your quality time – the best hours of your day -- and financial resources, as this will determine what you value and have made a priority in your life. If you don’t like where you are, make the decision to do what it takes to make the necessary changes in your life right now. Start small and ask someone you trust to hold you accountable. You don’t know who to ask? Then, hire a coach to guide and assist you in your transformation. Remaining balanced is an investment with an immediate payoff, not just for ourselves but for our family and friends – everyone within our sphere of influence -- and the rewards are the joy and peace that come from being truly centered.

Did you know?

In 1976, Romania's Nadia Comaneci became the first in Olympic gymnastic history to earn perfect scores.

Most astronauts find that their sense of balance is impaired when in orbit, because there is not enough gravity to keep the ear's fluid in balance.

Denmark has recently been identified has the happiest country in the world, it could be in part to the generous vacation time employees get - 5-6 weeks per year and that the average hours worked per week are 37!