I know that many of you - like me - struggle (it’s ok to admit it!) to keep our priorities in order. We know that a balanced life is lived via the following order – faith, family, friends, work – but we find it very difficult to live such a disciplined life. The demands of work tend to crowd out the more nourishing aspects of our life, often leaving to discouragement and stress.

The single most important key is DISCIPLINE. To change our life from chaos and confusion to peace and harmony, we must first take personal responsibility to change the bad habits that are keeping us from living lives of meaning and purpose. One of my favorite quotes is, “Success at the expense of faith and family is really failure.” Where we spend our time and money (work, golf, hunting, church, family time, etc.) is a direct reflection of our priorities. Men, have you ever considered what is important to your wife? What about your children? I surprised my wife recently with a trip to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion perform. I like Celine’s music, but Jeanne loves her and her music. I will never forget the joy that my wife experienced after that night’s performance. The old Byrd Baggett would have considered this trip a real sacrifice, as I used to be totally wrapped up in self and work. Since I have made the conscious decision to get out of self and into others, my life has far more purpose and meaning.

Another critical need is that of solitude. Far too many are caught in the “hairball of life.” I have found that creativity is most often found in the silence of solitude and that precious few understand the power of these words – “Be still and listen.” Many find solitude difficult, as they don’t like whom they’re with when they are alone. This is an even more important reason to seek the balance that leads to personal peace. On a business trip to the Northwest several years ago, I took advantage of a long weekend to spend several days in a secluded cabin in British Columbia. There were no technological distractions - no phone, television, or computer - and I spent the days cleaning the cobwebs out of my soul. The product of this weekend of peace and solitude was the idea for my newest book, The Past Doesn’t Have a Future But You Do. Creativity and peace are found in the silence of solitude!

A few words for leaders…

Balance is critical to peak performance. It is imperative that your associates lead balanced lives to achieve your team’s full potential. When people are sacrificing on the home front, their performance at work will ultimately suffer. Are you creating an environment that encourages balance?

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.