Almost everyone you talk to is trying to lead a balanced life. But what if that’s the wrong goal?
Don’t get me wrong.
I don’t think everyone should work 80 hours a week.
But here’s my struggle.
I think in many circles in our culture, balance has become a synonym for mediocrity. Don’t work too hard. Don’t be intentional about your time. Just be balanced.
Here’s what I’ve seen.
Most of the people I know who have accomplished significant things are not balanced people.
They are passionate people.
They are passionate about:
- Their job.
- Their family.
- Their hobby.
In fact, they’re often even passionate about their nutrition and their rest.
- They never see work as a job…they see it as a calling. As a quest. As a mission.
- They can’t wait to get up in the morning and attack the day.
- When they engage relationally, they’re fully present.
- When they’re with their family, they’re with them.
They love what they do so much that they can’t help but work on it even when they’re not on the clock.
Could you call the Apostle Paul a balanced person?
Sure, he spent time with friends and churches and built solid relationships. But he was far more passionate than he was balanced.
So do a variety of things (work, play, family), but allocate your energy so you can do everything you do (including rest and relaxation) with passion.
I love what John Wesley said:
“Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”
I never want to lose my passion. In fact, I’m praying it intensifies as I grow older in everything I pursue.
Don’t let balance become a synonym for mediocrity.
Instead, throw yourself into whatever you do with passion and enthusiasm. At work. At home. For fun. When you rest.
I mean wouldn’t your family rather see you fully engaged? Wouldn’t the people you lead?
Great things are rarely accomplished by balanced people.
They are accomplished by passionate people, who attack almost everything they do with some zeal.
Maybe work-life balance is a trap. But work-life passion is not.
It’s a slight perspective shift that could make a big difference.
What are you learning about passion and balance?
