Do you have balance in your life?

Answer true or false to each statement below.

1. I find myself spending more and more time on real estate-related projects.
   True
   False

    

2. I often feel I don't have any time for myself -- or for my family and friends.
   True
   False

    

3. I am often negotiating a contract during dinner.
   True
   False

    

4. Sometimes I feel as though I've lost sight of who I am and why I chose real estate as as career.
   True
   False

    

5. I can't remember the last time I was able to find the time to take a day off to do something fun -- something just for me.
   True
   False

    

6. I find myself blogging, instead of spending time with family or friends.
   True
   False

    

7. I can't even remember the last time I took a vacation, or a day off.
   True
   False

    

8. It sometimes feels as though I never even have a chance to catch my breath and just jump from crisis to crisis.
   True
   False

    

9. I can't remember the last time I read -- and finished --
   a book that I was reading purely for pleasure.
   True
   False

    

10. I wish I had more time for some outside interests and hobbies, but I simply don't.
    True
    False

     

11. I often feel exhausted -- even early in the week.
    True
    False

     

12. I can't remember the last time I went to the movies or visited a museum or attended church or synagogue.
    True
    False

     

13. I do what I do because so many people (children, partners, parents) depend on me for support.
    True
    False

     

14. I've missed many of my family's important events because of my real estate responsibilities.
    True
    False

     

15. I almost always bring work home with me... (almost?)
    True
    False

Each "True" answer is an indicator that your life may be getting out of balance.  That you're not finding enough time for yourself, for your family, to regenerate your batteries.  Yes, selling real estate, and helping your clients is important, but it shouldn't be all consuming. 

If you've answered TRUE to 1-3 of the above questions, you seem to be faily balanced... but keep an eye on it.

If you've answered TRUE to 4-6 of the above questions, balance seems to be tipping, and you may want to scale back, and find some time for relaxation.

If you've answered TRUE to 7-10 of the above questions, you're starting to tip out of control.  Scale it back, try to find time for your friends and family.  Turn off your cell phone at dinner time, and leave it off.

If you've answered TRUE to 11 or more of the above questions... you're officially out of control (and an average Realtor).  You need to take some time off.  Designate some specific time to be non-real estate time.  Time for Temple or Church, time for family, relaxation... Plan a vacation with your family... and GO... you need it... you're just one step short of a melt-down.

Balance in your life is more important than ever. Please don't ignore these symptoms. Take control of your life, don't let you life control you!

Disclaimer: This is not a scientific study.  These are questions that Alan threw together based on his own 'out of control' life.  (Those who can't DO, TEACH!)  This should just be used to get you started thinking about balance in your life.