When asked about a key value that has guided my life in WaveMakers Polarity exercise, the answer was quick: balance; but in all different meanings and applications of this word.
In the polarity exercise, we were asked to write down two personal values that have accompanied us throughout our lives, and have brought us to where we are today. And then we had to reflect on the following four statements, keeping our chosen value in mind, “What I deeply value about this is…”, “When I do too much of that, I …”, “At those times, I would like to..”, “What I fear if I did too much of that…”. This helps us discover a hidden value — one that complements our chosen value. Example: “harmony” and “assertiveness”, “curiosity” and “rest”.
Balance is a key value that has guided my life in so many ways! From the concept of yin-yang and a state of equilibrium as per Tao Te Ching, to my tendency to control my behavior and self-reflect on my actions and their consequences.
One of the most important things that I’ve learned about balance is the importance of controlling my indulgences. We all have our vices and it’s easy to get caught up in them. But balance has taught me to be mindful of the consequences of my actions.
Another area where balance has been crucial for me is in setting and achieving multiple goals. I have a lot of different self-improvement goals and projects that I’m working on, and I want to give each of them my all. But I’ve found that when I try to balance everything at once, I often overwork myself and don’t make as much progress as I would like.
The key takeaway for me after the community discussion is that instead of trying to focus on everything all at once, I need to focus on one project for a set duration of time and bring it to completion. This “tunnel vision” or immersion will accelerate the speed of that project, and instead of it moving inch by inch along with other projects, it will be the sole priority.
Balance is not only a key value, but it’s a life-long learning. It’s taught me that it’s okay to take control of my indulgences, reflect on my actions, and also to accept that life is chaotic, and we can’t control everything. By focusing on one project at a time, I’m hoping to find that I’m able to achieve more and be happier. And that’s what balance is all about: finding a way to be happy and fulfilled in the midst of chaos.