Don’t Balance – Blend

For over a decade I have preached the art of being multifaceted and dedicated to each area of your life. I’ve also called out the hard reality that losing balance is often necessary to achieve greatness. Whether that is in your academic studies or your practice sessions at any endeavor, I always believe that the human pursuit of excellence has a shared spirit and common thread regardless of what the output is. That input, dedication, focus and drive, is universal even if the medium is different. 

With that in mind, it was recently pointed out to me that for years I’ve been preaching the idea of blending your life and not necessarily trying to keep it in balance. When you’re constantly striving for excellence and seeking high achievement…the standard definition of balance becomes difficult and in some cases impossible. 

Yet, that is not to say that you lose sight of other areas of your life. You don’t lose sight of your health and fitness, your family and friends…you can have all of these things. You need all of these things. However, you need to have them in appropriate ways and with realistic expectations. It takes a supporting cast. In my world – Anthem is nothing without those around me, from the newest intern to the managing partner. I’ve said this thousands of times before and I’ll say it countless times more. Anthem family, my blood family, my friends and unselfish cast is the only way that I’ve achieved anything. People not only recognize the sacrifices that I have and have to make, but they support it. If someone in your world does not, try to communicate with them what your goals and needs are. Blend your worlds together. Integrate your life’s mission, whether that be in a business environment or gracing the stage at Carnegie Hall, with your personal life in reasonable ways. That is not to say that people can be physically present at all times but you can share details, experiences and blend all the parts of your life that makes you complete.

By sharing the various parts of your life, not creating artificial barriers, and letting people know both what and who you are – you blend. This makes people feel included and valued. It also shows who you are to the important people in the different areas of your life. It can show your team that you’re also a parent, a partner and a daughter or son. It can show your family the people, places and ideas that you lead and create in that other part of your world.

I encourage people to not compartmentalize areas of their life when it is not needed – but be responsible and realistic when blending. Yet when this is done right, it gives all people in your universe the best and most complete sense of who you are and what you want out of life. It keeps people from feeling excluded and it will enable you to pursue your passion while maintaining all of the other important areas that you need.

By Chris Sinclair
Founder, The Anthem Group