Balance Beam Instructions

First section
The first section of the Balance Beam lets you identify and track five to 10 activities that should become daily habits because they are important to you, doing them is responsible, they provide the body nourishment, or they satisfy a basic need. Some examples might be exercise, diet, drinking sufficient water, taking vitamins, limiting television, etc.

Everything you identify is something that you are going to want to do from this day forward. Don't over-promise to get started. Identify at least five . . . and more if it feels right.

Second section
The second section lets you identify activities that bring joy to your life. These are items that you really look forward to and perhaps routinely deny yourself. If you were living alone on a deserted island, these are things you would do each day because you could, you would want to, and you wouldn't have any other responsibilities or obligations. These items are aligned with your values and provide nourishment to your heart and soul. These, too, are to become daily habits, so make room for them and make these activities sacred. These are the activities that will recharge your battery and keep you energized.

Some examples might be reading, gardening, connecting with friends, journaling, listening to music, playing music or learning to play an instrument, painting, drawing, working out, yoga, cooking, needle pointing, walking on the beach, going to the library, enjoying a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop, etc.

Identify at least five and more if you have the space. If you want to do more and don't have the space, make the space and then allow these activities to fill the void.

Bottom sections
Some activities that bring you joy may more appropriately be weekly activities such as a date night with your spouse, an outing with the kids, attending church, etc. The bottom section lets you capture these items. In addition, there may be times you want to focus on something special, perhaps to create a new habit, break an old one, or tackle a special project. There's space at the bottom of the chart to capture these as well.

How to use
To use Balance Beam, simply fill in the chart and make these activities regular habits. Mark an "x" in the box or check off completed items each day in order to track your progress. Watch for patterns—which items easily become routine, which ones are more of a struggle? What's causing the struggle? Are some days or weeks better than others? What happens when you travel or your home routine is disrupted?

Feel free to alter activities until the list feels right for you, and don't be too hard on yourself if it takes awhile to make these activities part of your routine—but make the commitment to make them routine, and get started now!