Of the primary elements of your life—namely family,
friends, personal interests and career—at any given time, you have to decide which
you focus on and where to spend your time.

When you do, something else has to give. By pursuing one
area of your life necessarily means you aren’t pursuing other areas. It doesn’t
mean you’re neglecting them. You’re just not investing time and energy in them
at the moment.

There’s no balancing to it. There are no fixed
priorities; no “this is more important than that” which applies all the time;
no ability to have everything in its proper place for very long.

Why? Because something has to give. You can spread
yourself among all the areas of interest, and you do so every day. But every
time you choose one, you are not choosing the others—unless you can do double
duty.

Like scheduling a continuing education event in a nice location
and take your family along. Include an extra day or two (or more) just for
family fun.

Like flexing your schedule to do things at times when
other elements aren’t available. I know numerous people who get to the office
very early in the morning because their family is still sleeping.

Like pursuing your personal interests after everyone goes
to bed. Or, after dinner and kids are in bed, pursue personal interests.

Like striking up friendships with some of your clients
with whom you like and share a personal interest.

Rather than complain that you don’t have it all, realize
that you will never have it all, but you can intentionally arrange your life so
you can enjoy multiple elements simultaneously. This week, align your
expectations realistically and enjoy what you do while you’re doing it, being
fully present in the moment. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s better than
pining for a utopia you will never achieve.