Having a healthy life balance is essential to our happiness and our wellbeing. Yet, it's totally impossible for us to distribute our time equally between all the important things in our lives...especially when we're going after our BIG career goals.
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So, how the hell do we create more balance in our lives?!?

Well, it starts with how you define "life balance." If you view life balance as "how you allocate your time," it's going to be pretty freaking hard to achieve it. But if you view it as "how fulfilled you are in the important areas of your life," it's totally possible!
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Here are some tips to help you have a kickass personal life while you go after your BIG, stretchy career goals:​​

To help me get clear on my vision and goals for the year, I do a fun exercise where I write myself a letter from the end of the year. I describe the future vision of my life as if I'm talking to a close friend. I dig in deep, starting with how I feel when I wake up in the morning. I talk about what my life looks like, how I feel, and what I've achieved along the way. When I want to focus on my long-term goals, I will do the same exercise but looking ahead 3-5 years.
 
I make my vision so juicy that it pulls at my heartstrings and becomes the “fuel” to my motivation.
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When was the last time you took the time to acknowledge, let alone celebrate everything you have?

So many of us lose sight of all the things we have and everything we accomplish because we're so focused on the future and the next goal. It's human to want more: more success, more accomplishments, more things, more validation, more, more, more.

Gratitude allows us to stop, be present, and appreciate the things we have. It shifts us from focusing on what's missing, to enjoying what we have right now. It allows us to look at life through a positive lens, which not only creates more happiness but helps build stronger relationships, improves how we handle the challenges we face, and can even improve our health. 

Public speaking. Networking. Applying for a new job. Asking for a promotion or raise. Starting a business. Sharing your feelings.
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Do any of these freak you out a little? It's totally normal if they do, they're some of the most common fears. But if you take time to dig a little deeper, you'll discover that these "fears" are just symptoms of your more significant fears. You know, the shit that paralyzes you from moving forward on your BIG goals and dreams: fear of rejection, failure, shame, judgment, abandonment...
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These fears are powerful! They limit you and your vision by creating blinders to what is possible. They keep you small and prevent you from achieving the things you want in life.

We all have fear. Hell, we're human. But when we acknowledge our fears and practice taking action in spite of them, these fears lose their power over us, and the inner critic inside our head begins to settle down. 

Some of us think that self-care is something we need to do when we are unhealthy or depleted. I used to too. But I've learned it's more about the things we do to prevent ourselves from becoming unhealthy or depleted.
 
Self-care is made up of the consistent and intentional actions we take to support our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. It's the key component to living a balanced life.

In addition to improving your confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and happiness, practicing self-care allows you to fully show up for the significant people and things in your life!

If you ask people what they want most in life, many will say, "I just want to be happy!" Although people are quick to say they want happiness, very few spend time thinking about what that means to them or how to make it happen.
 
We often make the mistake of thinking that our happiness is based on external circumstances such as making money, achieving career success, or finding the perfect relationship. We chase after these "things," thinking that they are the answer to finding happiness. 
 
But what happens if those "things" are taken away?!? 

“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine." - John C. Maxwell
 
For many of us, change can be hard. 

​Even when you know that the change you want to make is going to lead to bigger and better things, it can still be difficult to push through your fears and limiting beliefs. Especially with all the BS your inner critic seems to be whispering in your ear!

Being super connected to my vision is my compass. It pulls at my heartstrings and keeps me on track. When I'm connected and committed to my vision I’ll risk judgment, rejection, and failure. Being connected to my vision allows me to shift my mindset and look at failure as a way to grow and learn instead of keeping me down. It gives me the courage to keep taking swings even after I miss!

Getting connected to my vision allowed me to quit smoking COLD TURKEY after 22 years of being a smoker! 

“Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It's about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.”– Kristi Ling

The most important thing you can do for yourself is to make your well-being your number one
priority. 
 
You might be thinking, “Speak English, Nicole! What the hell does well-being mean?!? Are you talking about my health?”
 
Well, kinda! “Well-being” is soooo much more than your health. Our well-being is the foundation of everything we do (or don’t do) and the foundation of our well-being is how we treat ourselves. The truth is, you can’t show up as your best self if you are hungry, angry, annoyed, overwhelmed, in pain, tired…