Balance Fast Lane Life?

What? You can’t do “it all?” Welcome to the club!

Lack of Life/Work balance is one of the biggest issues keeping women from advancing at work.

Every day women turn down opportunities because of it.

Just ask racer, now business owner, Sarah Fisher. “It’s very stressful.”

She’s got company. According to the OECD Better Life Index, the U.S. ranks low – number 29 among the best countries for “balance.” Denmark claims the No. 1 spot. No surprise – it tops the list on life satisfaction, too.

“That was the roughest time of all,” says Fisher. “When I was trying to be an athlete and a entrepreneur.” The youngest woman ever to qualify for the Indy 500 became the only female owner of an IndyCar team in 2008. She’s also on the National Women’s Business Council, that reports directly to the president.

So, how does this married mom and business owner balance life in the fast lane (think 230 mph)? Six tips:

• She brings 1-year-old Zoey with her to the track – and a cousin to help.
• Other solutions include tapping into flexible schedules and telecommuting when needed, which a record number of companies now offer.
• Also, moving her own needs up on her to-do list helps. It’s like the pre-flight instructions to put your oxygen mask on before assisting others.
• She tries to honor feelings of sadness or guilt since this indicates something in your life needs adjustment.
• Just as she makes sure her racecars are safe, she gives herself a break too.
• And finally – she puts her priorities, rather than activities, in the driver’s seat.

Simply put, “It’s identifying what’s important to you.”

Bonus PINK Link: Here’s why rest is important for business.

How you balance your fast-paced life.

By Cynthia Good

“The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you’ve lost it.” Anonymous