In life we all have to juggle multiple responsibilities, constantly trying to keep all the balls in the air without dropping any. The daily demands of work, family, health, friends, and spirit can become overwhelming. But it is possible to manage this juggle more effectively, and it starts with understanding the nature of the balls we have in the air and why we juggle them. Today I want to share with you an exercise that can help you mindfully manage this juggle and find a better balance in your life.

 The Metaphorical Juggle:

I share this exercise in my book, "You Always Have a Choice." The idea comes from Brian Dyson, former CEO of Coca Cola, who described life as a game of five balls: work, family, health, friends, and spirit. Each of these balls represents a different aspect of our lives that we constantly juggle. He emphasised the fragility of certain aspects of our life, comparing work to a rubber ball that bounces back when dropped, and our relationships, health, and spirit to glass balls that could shatter when dropped. To expand on Dyson's concept, I added two more types of balls – crystal balls (instead of glass) and concrete balls. 

The Different Balls We Juggle: 

Crystal balls represent your non-negotiables, the aspects of your life that are precious and fragile, such as health and key relationships. These balls cannot be compromised, and dropping them can have significant consequences.

Then, of course, there are the rubber balls—important tasks and responsibilities that are resilient and can be dropped without severe consequences. Work often falls into this category for me. While it is important, it is not as fragile as my health or relationships.

Lastly, there are the concrete balls—tasks, obligations, or relationships that feel heavy and drain our energy. You might juggle these balls out of a misguided sense of obligation, guilt, or the desire to please others. The key is to recognise these concrete balls and understand that they can be dropped without harming your well-being.

Self-Awareness and Empowerment:

The exercise I recommend involves sitting down and naming the balls you're currently juggling in your life. By visualising all the balls in the air, you gain clarity on which ones are your crystal balls, rubber balls, and concrete balls. Once you have identified and labeled your balls, you can decide which ones truly deserve your attention, energy, and time. 

It's okay to start small if you find it overwhelming to drop multiple balls at once. You can gradually reprioritise or reassess your balls over time. This exercise is about dynamic prioritisation, navigating your life with intention, and focusing on what truly matters to you.

Life is too short to tolerate an unbalanced juggle. By understanding the nature of the balls you're juggling and making mindful choices, you can take control of your juggle and lead a life that aligns with your values.

LINKS

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here 
Download the ‘Control Your Juggle’ Worksheet here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au