Most people spend their time trying to connect the dots to all facets of their life.

The so-called work-life balance.

It’s a common complaint and many would say they never seem to accomplish it.

I’m not sure who coined the phrase ‘work-life balance’ but I believe it’s the wrong focus.

What individuals should be striving for is ‘Foundational Fitness.’

Asking the question, “Am I emotionally, spiritually and physically fit?’

We can’t be one without the other or some aspect of life will be off quilter. A slight nag that drags us down. The aspect that makes life seem out of balance.

For instance, the super successful career that leaves no time for emotional or physical devotion. The divorce that has caused sudden weight gain or weight loss which gnaws at energy reserves. The stay at home mother who allows herself to become emotionally drained.

Rather than look for balance, attention needs to turn towards what we ignore.

When we can achieve all three: Emotional, Spiritual and Physical Fitness – the nagging voice that tugs at us will disappear. Thus, there is a need to stop looking at the world in terms of a ‘work-life’ balance. Work is an aspect of our lives. It is not a core concept. It stems from emotional fitness. Knowing who we are and what we want and what drives us in life.

The goal should be ‘Foundational Fitness.’

We can’t really feel happy or completely satisfied if our core foundational thirsts are not quenched. Once they are, there is no longer this need to connect the dots. Instead, they just fall into place.

 

1. Emotional Fitness:

We need to examine our emotional health. 

Are we caregivers while continuing to work at a job with excess travel? Are we divorcing and fighting for small things that do not matter? Have we maxed ourselves out to put our kids in private school when a quality of life adjustment would bring relief? Are we staying in an unhappy relationship convincing ourselves nothing better exists?

And more, so much more.

What is emotionally nagging at you in life?

What adjustments need to be made? Be they large or small, simple or scary. 

Make a list of anything that is troublesome, worrisome or just slightly off in your life. There is always another job, another town, another school, another relationship. We tell ourselves we can’t afford to quit. That all bosses are difficult, all jobs demanding, all marriages troubled, but they are not.

How many emotional pounds are you carrying yet need to lose?

 

2. Spiritual Fitness:

Spiritual fitness rises far above our core beliefs. It is how we enrich our lives daily to maintain a faithful foundation to sustain us through daily life – not just through the ups and downs.

For some, it is reading the Bible or a daily devotional. For others, it is daily Mass or a spiritual podcast. For others, it is a practice of reaching others with kindness and generosity.

Spiritual fitness is akin to physical fitness. There are a plethora of exercises which can strengthen it and they can be done via intervals or long endurance runs. Each person must decide which not only is appropriate for them but which they will maintain.

How can you achieve daily spiritual fitness?

If reading devotionals does not elevate your spirituality but music does – sing with the choir or turn up the gospel hymns. If you find your day too busy listen to Joel Osteen as you fall asleep. If you mean to spread spirituality yet are forgetful – write a post-it note to remember to pay for the Starbucks customer behind you or the car behind you at the toll.

And more, so much more.

What is spiritually nagging at you in life?

What adjustments need to be made? Be they large or small, simple or scary. 

Make a list of ways you allow God to guide your personal life and maintain your spiritual fitness.

 

3. Physical Fitness:

Let’s be honest. We can attempt to ignore our physical health but it reminds us every day if we eat poorly, fail to exercise or gain a few pounds both our energy and attitude become drained.

In fact, physical fitness is the easiest of the three to approach because it’s concrete.

We know we need to eat well, not skip meals, get enough rest, and exercise daily.

 

And more, so much more.

What is physically nagging at you in life?

What adjustments need to be made? Be they large or small, simple or scary. 

Are you eating well, but not exercising? Are you exercising and using it as an excuse that you can eat anything? Are you tired and not logging enough hours of sleep? Are you always putting off exercise until tomorrow?

 

We can’t be completely foundationally rich unless we are all three – Emotionally, Spiritually, and Physically Fit.

One feeds the other.

We should make lists of each deficit and goals for each.

Balance will no longer need to be sought but rather simply exist.

 

(Photo courtesy of Pexels)

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