An Aggressively Balanced Life

Those who know me know that I love listening to motivational videos and speakers on YouTube. One of my favorites is a series called Metal Motivation by C.J. Ortiz. Now, before you ask, I’m not really a fan of metal music (or at least I haven’t become one yet). However, his authenticity and no-nonsense approach to handling and overcoming life’s challenges has really helped me to accomplish my goals and “be relentless,” a phrase he uses often. I have to admit, lately I’ve been feeling pretty unstoppable!

One of the biggest takeaways I found in this series was to learn how to be aggressive in my approach to life, or more specifically to live what I call “an aggressively balanced life.” This means that even when I have a full course load, two part-time jobs and a million things on my to-do list, I cram social events and adventures into my calendar. I work my calendar until it bursts at the seams but really, I would’ve spent that time procrastinating online anyway. I may as well be intentional about my time and spend it hanging out with friends, going to an art class, doing beadwork, or taking a last-minute trip. Then I come back to my work refreshed and ready to be productive again! Sometimes I’ll even go to “church with friends,” kind of like words with friends, but if I haven’t seen a friend in a while and our schedules are just too busy to make it work, I’ll simply ask if I can tag along with them to church.

What kinds of things do you do to stay in balance? Or radically shift back to a balanced state? Are you as big of a fan of motivational videos on YouTube as I am? Share your recommendations below!