7 steps to finding balance: Your life macros

For many years, I have grappled with the age old question “Can we really have it all?” While I tend to believe that we can, in fact, have it all, I don’t necessarily think we can have it all in total balance all the time. In other words, sometimes something has to be focused on a little less so that our other needs can be addressed. Recently I was reminded via Timehop of how important tracking my macros used to be to me from a physical standpoint and I realized that macros are a great metaphor to how to balance life.

So, what are macros?

I’m sure there is a scientific explanation for macros but you won’t find it here. In my experience, macros are components of nutrition — namely carbs, proteins and fats. They are elements that make up the food we eat. Our body needs carbs, proteins and fats each day to help it function at its best. When I was working out 12+ hours/week, my body always functioned best when my average daily intake of food was 40% carbs, 30% fat and 30% protein. Other people’s ideal macros may be different. It took some trial and error and experimentation to determine what was best for me. Was I perfect every day? Hell, no. But, it sure felt good when my pretty little macro pie chart was perfect. There was no denying that everything just clicked when those three elements were balanced in the way that worked for me.

So, how does this relate to life? Easy. What are your life macros? What are the components of your life that each are good in their own way but need to be balanced in order for you to function at your best? In other words, what makes up YOU?

My macros include my various roles in life: psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, professor, mother, wife, friend, healthy woman and pet owner (perhaps pet collector?). Are all of my roles equally balanced each day? Hell, no! Are there areas which need to take more of my attention or fill my life more than others in order for me to feel whole? Absolutely!

Are you ready for a small homework assignment? (Sorry, sometimes my CBT and professor sides start to show). Grab a writing utensil and piece of paper. Or, open up a new document on your computer.

1. Make a list of your life macros.

Who are you? What is important to you? What are your various roles? What makes you YOU? Write those down.

2. Assign a percentage to each of your life macros.

How much of your attention and focus each week gets directed at each macro? Be honest. This should be how things get distributed on average each week, not how you want them to be distributed. Don’t forget about your elementary math skills — these percentages need to add up to 100%

3. Are there things that are missing from your list?

Are there things that make you YOU but you are not giving attention to right now? Add those to your list and write “0%” beside them.

4. Draw a pie chart.

Draw a pretty little pie chart of your life macros so that it reflects the assigned percentages.

5. Take some time to reflect on your chart.

How does it feel? Is it accurate? Are you proud of it? Do you wish it were different? If your pie chart is perfect and you feel totally balanced, bravo! Store that chart somewhere handy and refer to it regularly to make sure you are keeping your life macros in balance. If not, read on…

6. Make a new chart.

After you have spent some real time reflecting on your macro distribution and chart, make a new one — one that reflects your ideal life macros. What would your ideal life macros be and how much attention would they receive?

7. Create an action plan.

What would it take to be able to shift your current life macro chart to your ideal one? What small things can you do today to help get your macros moving in a way that works better for you?

Spend some time evaluating your life macros and seeing how making some adjustments might move your life to a more balanced and satisfying state.