A friend asked me a question one evening, “What would be three things you would want to do everyday?” 

It was meant to be a realistic and practical question, so here are our responses:

Their answer:

1. Read a book.
2. Go for a walk.
3. Talk to a friend.

My answer:

1. Go to Catholic Mass.
2. Workout or play sport.
3. Have a meal with family or friends.

What would be your three things?

Then when you take a look at your responses, do you see balance? 

I wouldn’t be surprised that if we did more of those three things, we’d be more effective and happier people.

Leadership is about balance. Temperance is the virtue that puts things in moderation. As a leader I think it is imperative to have a healthy life balance. Life is not just about work. Leadership doesn’t end at 5 pm. Leadership should flow into all areas of our lives.

And so a model that I have used to help me achieve greater life balance is SPICE. I try and work on every dimension of my whole person so that I can be the best version of myself. Here are the various dimensions of our person below:

Spiritual

• Getting in touch with your identity, purpose, and mission.
• For me this looks like praying everyday, going to Catholic mass a few times a week, and reading spiritual books.
• To me this is the most important element.

Physical

• Getting sufficient rest and exercise, with healthy eating and drinking.
• I try do workout 4 times a week, take walks when I can, and get 8 hours of sleep.
• I am influenced by Greek thought: strong body, strong mind.

Intellectual

• Seeking to learn more about the world and about your interests
• Also includes planning, organizing, and dreaming.
• I try and read one interesting book a month and I journal daily.

Creative

• Making time for hobbies and ‘playing’.
• Can include: drama, visual art, writing, do-it-yourself projects or music.
• I set time aside to work on my leadership blog every month and I occasionally paint.

Emotional

• Building and maintaining great relationships with others.
• Setting time aside to be with our important people.
• I have family lunches on Sundays, and I make time to call good friends every now and then.

We become our best when we are well-rounded. But it takes work. Just as a gymnast engages much effort to stay balanced on the beam, so do we who strive for great things in leadership. 

If you take a look at your three things you’d like to do everyday, what are you going to do so that it’ll happen more regularly?