UTS Cornerstone - A Newsletter for the UTS Alumni Association - March 2005

The Challenges of Life Balance in our Providential life

by Don Sardella

As of late, throughout the United States , I am hearing more and more about the commonchallenges of Life Balance in our Providential life - it certainly has been a challenge for me.

Over the last couple of years, it's made me seek greater understanding and perspective from other well-intentioned people in the world, in terms of what principles and systems have they created and/or do they follow, to make the most of their lives. As one of my coaches over the years has always said to me: " Believe that you can have exactly what you want ...then put a structure in place to accomplish it" - Marlene Panet-Raymond - of course, the challenge?? making it a practice.

 Here are a couple of resources that I have found to serve as helpful guides as I worked to integrate a better balance of all that is in play with God, family and mission. I have found that unless I consciously direct some time, energy and resources to these ends, it's very unlikely there is going to be any real satisfying progression or meaningful results that will follow. I experience that, to the degree that I can strengthen and balance myself, to that greater degree can I "run the race" longer term and be positioned to render greater service. It is my prayer that this can serve you and those you love well - may God Bless.

Life Matters : Creating a Dynamic Balance of Work, Family, Time & Money
by A. Roger Merrill , Rebecca Merrill

In this groundbreaking book, the authors demonstrate how to navigate the critical relationships between time and money, work and family, to create a harmonious, success-enhancing dynamic between each. Life Matters shows us how our actions can translate our most deeply held personal values and goals into daily real-life experience. From confronting life's tough questions--to offering practical ways to implement your answers--the authors guide you through the crucial steps toward effective living.

Praise for Life Matters : "A great read! This book is a great read, especially if you have a family, where balance in life is paramount!"--Larry King, Host of Larry King Live

STRENGTHEN YOUR PERSONAL FOUNDATION UNTIL IT IS ROCK SOLID!

Is your Personal Foundation as strong as the building foundation of your home is? Probably not. The term Personal Foundation is used to describe the underpinnings of a person's life and is comprised of the following:

1. Extensive Boundaries

2. High Standards

3. Healthy Relationships

4. Resolution of any past-oriented Issues

5. Having one's Personal Needs entirely satisfied

6. Taking full responsibility for what happens to you

7. Orienting around your principles and values

 Most of us have a degree of the above life components, but a rock-solid Personal Foundation ups the ante. You'll likely double or triple the quantity and quality of the above items. To do this, you'll need to take better care of yourself, so you have more resources from which to give. It's a bit like going to the gym to build strength and tone your body. There is some sweat, but when done properly, one feels better when leaving the gym than when they entered it, so there is a net gain. And, the nice thing about developing a strong Personal Foundation is that what you're left with is sustainable and requires only periodical checks.

Why is a strong Personal Foundation worthwhile to develop?

1. You need a strong foundation if you wish to accomplish a lot in life, just as a skyscraper needs a deeper foundation than a home. The higher one goes, the more they need the stability that a foundation affords. If you are building a great life, you want it to be strong enough to handle the surprises and problems that you encounter. With a strong Personal Foundation, you can weather almost any personal or business storm.

2. In the process of developing your Foundation, you'll begin to attract others -- both in your personal and business life -- who have done the same thing. Once your Foundation is strong, you can tell instantly when someone else's is also. Those with strong Foundations find that synergy and synchronicity are the norm, not the exception.

3. One's quality of life is noticeably higher with a strong Personal Foundation. You'll find that you'll be more in tune with yourself, your environment and your gifts. You really will be able to be yourself and create a lifestyle that is rewarding, fulfilling and inspiring.

How does one strengthen their Personal Foundation? By working on the components listed earlier. For many, beginning the Personal Foundation process is the turning point in their lives, or the springboard to the next level. It's one of the few personal development programs available that is exciting to work on, is self-motivating (no tapes needed!) and is entirely customizable to fit specific needs and styles.

(Special thanks for this to the late Thomas J. Leonard, considered the father of personal coaching)

On a final note: ALWAYS TRY TO DO YOUR BEST AT EVERYTHING.

Make it your life rule of living to always do your best. It's your constant effort to be first-class in everything you attempt that will help you conquer the heights of excellence. Let superiority become your trademark.

Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can. There is always a best way of doing everything. Find it. Do a little more than average and from that point on your progress multiplies itself out of all proportion to the effort you put out.

Do more than you're supposed to do and you can or be or do or have anything you want. If you want to enjoy enduring success, try traveling a little in advance of the rest of the world. Your greatness will come from being great in the little things.

Don Sardella, UTS '80 </DIV></TBODY></DIV></TBODY> 

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