I have a minor reputation on taking on volumes of work and setting lofty goals on a regular basis. A fact that my wife and friends would not only agree to, but would probably, in all likelihood, attest to in court. Twice.

My days are often long, full, and often trying. My time is short and down-time rare. I don’t know what’s playing in the theatres, nor do I know what’s on the top 10 charts, or the names of the Jonas brothers.

Some call me a workaholic. Others… crazy. You know who you are. Well let me just say I disagree (surprise!).

On the contrary, I like to think I get absorbed inspired by pipe-dreams ideals and I follow my heart wherever it leads me. True. Often times, I end up burning the candle not only on both ends, but completely engulfing it in flames. And unfortunately, in my wake, is a long and shameful trail of procrastination and until tomorrows.

In my effort to balance my life - balance, by the way is the biggest misnomer in history, more on this later - I’ve put off things like this blog and some family parties. Are my priorities off kilter? Depends on who you ask obviously. I know my family would love to see me more often. I also know work would love if I were to pick up the torch and help punch our team into the new year in style. And I know my bed misses me dearly. I’m sure it cries from time to time I just haven’t caught it yet.

But back to the concept of balance. When I think of balance, I think of that thingy that usually is seen with a blind-folded lady holding a sword, or something chemists use. People often say deep and insightful things like, “you should have a good balance of work and family, love and fun”. However, this notion of balance… it’s so static, no? When you think of a busy lifestyle, the last thing I think of is someone on a tightrope. Good or bad, life for many of us, is a whirlwind and we’re just trying not to knock over any fine china along the way.

For people like me, when a goal is attained, chances are I’ll be looking for another mountain to climb. Implying that this whirlwind will never die down - and simply spin in another direction. Living life like this is precarious and full of pitfalls and hiccups, but I’ve learned a few things along the way and I’d like to share them with you (surprise!).

How to survive your whirlwind life:

1. No matter how hard you spin, keep your eye on where you going. It’s very easy to get so obsessed on tangential accomplishments and forget what all the fuss is about.


2. Part-time it. You may be juggling a million things at once. But, sometimes you have to put down a few hundred for a short while and pick it up again.


3. Never sleight your friends. During the times where you feel you just can’t do it any more, you friends will help you keep your feet planted. Treat them well.


4. Don’t internalize everything. It’s OK to say life is hard. Sometimes you need to vent or cry or party hard. Consider it like life’s natural “reset” button.