In Search of Balance

From the introduction of this masterpiece to its brilliant conclusion, author Richard Swenson compels the reader to evaluate their priorities. Having read his other works related to this same topic (Margin, Overload Syndrome), I was expecting merely an updated version with newer data for 2010. I got a lot more than that! Swenson's challenge to our overburdened and overstretched society comes from his passion to help people before its too late (for them!). As a pastor, I counsel often with people whose bloated schedules have left them feeling lost in the shuffle. Stress has caused them to lose any sense of meaning in their marginless lives. Usually, a catastrophe is required before one or the other partner wakes up, although it is often too late to salvage marriage, family, or spirit. My favorite quote in this book comes from Chapter 5, "How to Couple Balance [Equilibrium] with Margin [Capacity]. It comes from author Marty Nemko, who says, "Don't give 110%. I have a client who gives 110%. Yes, he reaps rewards, but he's stressed out much of the time, makes mistakes as a result, and hasn't developed close relationships. The most successful people I know give 90%. They stay in the moment, tackle their projects slowly but steadily, and don't waste time worrying about what's ahead. They also have the emotional reserves to develop relationships and enjoy work." Almost everyone I know wishes they had head and heeded this wisdom. "Emotional reserves" would have saved many from burnout and the misery of trying to put their lives back together after losing most or all of it. Thank you, Dr. Swenson, for a volume that I will keep close by for the rest of my life! If you are looking for one book that is a "must read" for 2010, THIS IS IT!!

The subject of this book is a hot-topic in today's world...how do we find balance amidst all our responsibility and the busyness of this life. This was full of helpful tips and advice on how to reach that balance and find the time for what is really important to you. The author also stresses how finding this balance is the key to good mental, physical, and spiritual health. It was an easy read and very helpful.

I bought this book because I wanted to understand stress and manage it better. I am an instructor so I tend to work long hours mentally and not so much physical work. This book helped me to buy back some personal time that just seemed to slip away. Its a good book, easy to read and quite helpful because it's realistic approach is evident in just about any one's life today. Jeffco