Wednesday, April 11, 2012

A to Z Challenge: Juggling

So here's the thing about taking charge of your life. It's never a simple thing. It's not about changing one thing and watching everything else fall into place.

Oh no, on the contrary. Life's a bit more complicated than that. Taking charge of it is a bit more complex.

So how do you do it?

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Well, people always used to talk about balance. Every part of your life must be in balance. With you moving between them. From memory, always precariously close to falling either to one side or the other. Honestly, I know that it works for some people. Doesn't work for me. Because I find that balance has one big side-effect that I don't like. I never seem able to do everything that being balanced requires. Because balance (to me at least) implies doing everything. Right. Now.

No I very much prefer juggling. What's so good about it? I hear you ask. Simple. I can juggle one ball at a time. Or twenty. Because the moment I know I can handle more, I do more. If I can't I catch a few of the balls and put them away for later. No harm, no nothing. It just really works for me. And you know the best part? I don't need to pre-plan a moment of my life, because I get to do what I have to, for as long as I have to. 


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How?

Well, firstly, I prioritize. What is most important to me right now? Once I know that, I look at things that have deadlines. Then I pick the most important things with deadlines (in order of immediacy), followed by less important things with deadlines (I.E. things that in future I WON'T volunteer for again. See N-day.). Then important things without deadlines. And then everything else.

Simple, right? Frighteningly so. So when it comes to juggling, it's all about getting your priorities straight. Just NEVER lose focus.

Do you see yourself as a juggler or tightrope walker? How do you manage to get everything done?

11 comments:

Claudia Moser said...

That was a good word today!

Peaches Ledwidge said...

Juggling with priority in mind may be just as effective as trying to balance. In the end, the results are the same.

Adrienne said...

I see myself more as a juggler ON a tightrope! With five kids and all that is required for them, it leaves time for little else, but I make it work. Sometimes! :-)

June said...

First of all, I don't think I ever thought of what I was doing as "taking charge of my life" but after reading this post, I have to say-- that's definitely what I'm doing! Sometimes putting a name to it is enough to empower someone. :) So thanks !

I multitask by nature... so I'm definitely a juggler. I keep priorities on the front line but anything else that can be combined is a winner in my book... Like juggling with velcro balls!

Catherine Noble said...

I prioritize in a similar fashion to yours! I think the key to maintaining balance is keeping the focus! As soon as I start to ignore my priorities, everything starts to crumble!

Cynthia said...

I'm also more of a juggler because I thrive on multitasking. I don't see myself as a tightrope walker (gah!!)

Misha Gerrick said...

I agree. I think the degree of success with either one or the other depends on the personality of the one trying to do them.

Misha Gerrick said...

Hahahahaha that sounds thrilling and scary at the same time. Good luck!

Misha Gerrick said...

I'm so glad that my post helped to empower you. Good luck with taking charge of your life. :-)

Misha Gerrick said...

Definitely. Focus is vital.

Misha Gerrick said...

Hahahaha same here. (not to mention I have a fear of heights) ;-)