I was saddened last month by the premature passing of John Drake due to a heart attack.  Only 49 years young, John was the tight-head Prop in the highly successful Rugby Union teams of Auckland and the All Blacks (New Zealand) through the mid-eighties.  Following the All Blacks success in the 1987 World Cup, John retired as a Rugby player and became a newspaper Rugby columnist and TV commentator.   I didn’t know John personally but I enjoyed his perspective on Rugby and the obvious ‘mana’ (respect) that he held.

To top this, a close friend recently had a near-miss with one of his children in a swimming pool accident.  It’s heart wrenching stuff and it brings some perspective to what is happening right now; global recession etc.  In tough times such as these, it is easy to get wrapped up in the situation and forget about what is really important. I am not for a second suggesting that we go live on a beach.  That’s not a life fulfilled. But neither do I consider it a compliment to be called a workaholic; someone who neglects themselves or their family in the name of work.

I have spent the past few years trying to ensure balance in my life.  I am by no means perfect at this but balance is my priority and I think that’s the point.  My position as President of Author-it Software Corporation, places large demands on my time and family.  Paul Trotter and I divide our time between our US and Auckland Offices which are 6,500 miles apart (12+ hours flight), spending about 2-3 weeks at each office.  Tough schedule?  Absolutely but high growth companies are not built at our convenience.

So how is it possible to find some semblance of balance? To me the first step is to ask yourself what’s really important in your life.  Most would answer; “family, health, happiness” etc. Obviously work pays the bills so it is important too.  The sad reflection I make is most sacrifice their health, personal goals and family in the name of work.  Or they use their family as an excuse for why they don’t exercise or achieve work and personal goals. Balance is a triumvirate of; family, work and personal areas.

The hardest thing to do is find the time. I believe the first step is to chose a small number of things that you need to do (read… work and exercise) and that you love to do.  Next make some more time.  My secret was learnt while studying for my MBA.  I had a very full-on job and simply couldn’t find enough time for work, family, study and working out. My answer was a) turn off the TV and b) get up at 5am! To be honest my family do not want to know me early in the morning. I studied until 6.30am, had breakfast with the family and then into the day.  This gave me a full 7.5 hours of study per week over what I had before.  Was it hard?  At first very, but in time I started to wake up without the alarm bang on 5! And, no, I am definitely not a morning person.

Now I don’t want this to sound like anything special but applying this principle to my own personal situation has allowed me to achieve some of my personal goals – a Black Belt in Aikido, be in great physical shape, improve my tennis game to name a few.  And the best part is I still get to spend some great time with my family and successfully perform my role at Author-it.

As this is a time for new year resolutions, why not resolve to find some balance.  Set goals for work, family plus to achieve something for yourself this year. Then the hard part; off with the TV, on with the alarm clock!

I’d love to hear whether you agree or have other ideas for balance… let me know.

Have an awesome 2009.

Cheers
Steve