Creating an Action Plan to Achieve Balance

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• List the three or four top priorities in your life. Then separately add a list of four or five important but lesser priorities.

• Think carefully about core priorities. For example, instead of listing "Job", reflect whether your priority is to earn a living or to build a career.

• Add any priorities your partner holds that you haven't included.

• Make a separate list of priorities or goals that your current life doesn't allow for e.g., learning new skills, volunteer work, enjoying nature with your children, spending time with friends, etc.

• Add to this separate list any lifestyle changes that you wish you could make e.g., giving up work, moving to the country or town, starting your own business, etc.

• If this list has more than three or four priorities that aren't possible in your current life, consider whether a lifestyle change is in order. A new job? Part-time hours? A move?

• Keep a log for a few days, showing where your time is spent. Be detailed—include time spent chatting at the cooler or on the phone. Include time in the car or watching TV.

• Highlight the time that is devoted to priorities.

• List the time that is going to non-priorities. Consider what could be eliminated. Be ruthless—say goodbye to the school fair or after-work drinks if they don't relate to your priorities.

• When asked whether you will do something for friends, neighbors or schools, consider whether the request fits your priorities. If not, say "No".

• Consider if "non-priority" time could be used for "Wish List" priorities e.g. Instead of lining up at the deli for lunch or chatting in the canteen, could you brown-bag it and go to a fitness club/practice yoga/read a book at your desk/jog around the block with a friend/feed the ducks in the park?

• Problem-solve with family members—could children shovel the snow or collect dry cleaning? Could a cousin check in on an older relative?

• Are there neighboring students who would appreciate extra pocket money for running errands, mowing the lawn, cleaning windows, walking the dog?

• Could you use commercial services like grocery delivery or dry cleaning pick-up?

• Highlight all non-priorities on your list that could be delegated.

• Review whether the time you save could be used for "Wish List" priorities.

• Highlight top priorities on your list in one color. Do these things first.

• Highlight secondary priorities in another color. Aim to do these things next.

• Highlight non-priorities in a third color. If you get these things done or can delegate them, great. If not, don't fret—they're not essential.