We spend so much of our time doing the things we really don't want to do. Why? Whether it is in a job that does not fully satisfy us or in an unfulfilling relationship, which we know deep down, we need to leave. When we drift in this way in life, often feeling absent and not in control of our lives, it can affect our mental, physical and emotional well-being. We are not who we know we need to be in the world. We are not functioning at our best and time is passing us by.

Sometimes people are forced to take another look at where their lives are going. They may go through redundancy, relationship loss or even become ill. At these times, once we have passed the stages of loss and somewhat accepted the inevitable change that has happened, we can see the opportunity that lies as a consequence of the change and upheaval. We may even at a later stage recognise that at some level we subconsciously created it ourselves.

This is often the opportunity for looking at Work/Life Balance and making different choices. We learn much from what we don't want in life and are clearer as a result, of what we do want. We are given a chance to make a fresh start and learn from our mistakes.

It is at this stage that people can benefit enormously from working with a Life Coach. I know I did. Many years ago, after working with a Life Coach, I was able to make some big changes in my life and feel much happier, healthier and more in control as a result of it.

Work/Life Balance is enjoying every aspect of your 'whole' life. Feeling in control of your destiny and feeling free to do whatever you choose, being able to choose every experience in life that you know will fulfil you. The complete opposite is feeling trapped and apathetic....'well, this is my lot, I may as well be content with it and not upset anyone or anything!' Is this really how we are meant to live our lives? 

So where do you start? Just recognising that you are not happy in your life right now is the best place to start.

I often begin working with my clients by taking them through the Passion Test. A powerful coaching tool which helps them identify the 5 most important areas in their life and get clear about what they most want to happen right now that would change how they feel.

The experience with each and every one of my clients, and I have taken over 300 people through it over the years, is profound.

A Stress Test identifies where all your stresses lie, whilst The Passion Test highlights where your priorities lie and where your focus needs to be. More often than not, you need to focus your attention back on yourself. Instead of running around trying to be everything to everybody and tackle too much at once, you become clear about what's really important to You. This also has a positive impact on the people in your life you care most about and on your health.

So Work/Life Balance is simply finding out what matters to you most and paying attention to those things; your health, relationships, career, family, friends and your passions. Identify where you are right now in all those areas and where you would ideally like to be and how to get there. Clarity is Power and from there, step-by-step, your passions and life long goals are manifested. Try it and see. Life is short.

A Man Without a Goal is a Man without a Soul