By Jessica 
Alex (Guest Contributor)
I have to prioritize: (I am a) father first, and then a pastor and a recording artist and entrepreneur. I try to put everything in proper perspective, and then the proper priority.
– Marvin Sapp
Between your job, school, kids and paying the mortgage, it can all seem so overwhelming. No matter what you do, you can hardly find time for yourself because keeping up with everything else seems nearly impossible.
Maybe you feel like you are on the brink, barely floating above water. Maybe you want to make a change, but are not sure how. The good news is that there are ways to get back on track.
When feeling overwhelmed and you are not able to find balance in your life, author Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta suggests to “pause, reflect and re-strategize.”
“ We can easily get overwhelmed when we are chasing so many things that seem important all at the same time. By pausing, we give ourselves room to breathe.”
Further, she recommends, “The next step is to list out all the things that are important to us, and give it priority realizing that we can’t do everything and can’t be everything to everyone. And then we
re-strategize and create an action plan around our new priorities.”
Yvonne also recommends these five tips on getting balance in your life:
1. Have a clear picture of what is most important to you
2. Have S.M.A.R.T goals/priorities on what is most important to
3. Be prepared to say NO sometimes; there will always be many things competing for our time. And as much as we want to say ‘yes’ sometimes, we have to learn to say ‘no’
4. Always make time to relax and have some ‘me’ time (make it about you and what you like to do)
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We can’t do it alone, and there is always someone willing to help, and waiting for you to ask.
At the end of the day, if you want change Yvonne suggests that you, “Know who you are, what you want, and have a positive mindset. And be proactive!”
Life is about getting balance; so remember to take a minute to pause, prioritize and re-strategize so that you can be on your way to finding the balance that you need. Getting balance starts by making an effort to change, and that change starts with you!
Yvonne is a Change Management Consultant, John C. Maxwell Certified Coach, Inspirational Speaker, and the author of “The Change You Want! Change Your Mindset, and Change Your Life.”
For more information on Yvonne and her resources on changing your mindset, visit www.thechangeyouwant.net.
Jessica Alex is a Montreal-born writer, author and entrepreneur. She has always had a passion for writing. Her current company Upon A Star Books has a mission to publish and promote books that educate and inspire.
