Last week my mother-in-law, Carol Horning, passed after a several month struggle with cancer. As I have spent time reflecting on her life, I’m struck by how well she achieved balance in her life. Her family, friends and clients were extremely important to her, but she also prioritized golf, tennis, shopping, and the things she wanted to do. She seemed to have a great balance between work and play, giving and getting, time for others and time for herself.

For many of us, it’s hard to find balance in life. We are either so self-absorbed with our own agenda that we can’t even see the challenges and difficulties that others are facing, or we are consumed by all the needs around us that we neglect our own health and wellbeing. It seems that the self-absorbed types are more prevalent, but maybe that’s because it’s my own personal struggle.

During our first quarter client meetings, we’ve been having conversations about what is most important to you. Some of the typical responses are faith, generosity, family, and friends. I believe most of us at our core want to be others focused, but then we get on the hamster wheel of life and start running. And when we slow down enough to see the needs around us, we are too exhausted to effectively help.

I believe a key to balance is a prioritized routine. I don’t know the specifics of Carol’s schedule and how she managed it, but I know she planned time to work, play, vacation, volunteer, and spend time with friends and family. If it was important to Carol, she made time to make it happen.

So, one simple question for you. Are the things most important to you on your schedule?