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Balancing Your Budget
By Greg Hickman
"This time, like all times, is a very good one, if
we but know what to do with it."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Life truly is an endless balancing act, isn't it?
Each and every day seems to offer us a new set of
challenges, a new round of limitless opportunity; a new
chance to make a fresh start. What more could we
possibly ask for? However, each day also brings with it
a seemingly endless list of things we need to get done,
things we need to do.
There are the things we need to take care of in our
business life, our personal life and our spiritual life
as well. It always seems as though there are more things
to do than we have time to do them. How can we possibly
squeeze all of this and more into a 24 hour day? Plus we
all need some free time as well. After all, doesn't all
work and no play make Jack an unhappy camper?
"The key is in not spending time, but in investing
it."
Stephen R. Covey
Nobody, even the most tenacious of workaholics, wants
to work all of the time. Without having a little down
time to recharge and reinvigorate ourselves, we will
sooner or later burn ourselves out. Each and every one
of us needs time to unwind and let go on occasion.
On the other side of the coin, wouldn't all play and
no work make Jack a poor, unhappy camper? We
still need to work to meet our monthly obligations, pay
our bills and secure our financial future. Is there any
possible way for us to reach a happy compromise? Yes,
there is. It simply requires that we understand the
dynamics of using our time wisely.
"Determine never to be idle. No person will have
occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses
any. It is wonderful how much can be done if we are
always doing."
Thomas Jefferson
Winners have conditioned themselves to squeeze more
living out of each day by balancing their activities.
These achievement oriented individuals recognize the
need to efficiently allocate their time, spending a
little time over here and a little time over there. They
also understand how crucially important it is to set
aside a little time for themselves too.
They consistently make the most of their time by
"keeping their balance," budgeting their time
efficiently and effectively. You too should put together
a budget for yourself, carefully outlining how you will
invest and allocate your most prized asset — your time.
"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time
for that is the stuff life is made of."
Benjamin Franklin
Work time, play time, family time, down time — each
and every one of these areas are vitally important to
your health, happiness and welfare. You never want to be
guilty of neglecting any of these areas of your life.
By carefully apportioning your precious time among
the things you need to do, you will soon start squeezing
more living out of each day while having the time of
your life in the process.
The Bottom Line: By budgeting your time
efficiently, you’ll get more done in less time AND
have more time left over to spend as you choose.
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