The PIP: Personal Improvement Needed for Work, Life, Balance

Life and its distractions can have each of us all over the place.

Sometimes I feel like I’m spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. I know that this isn’t true, however, my mind still wanders and I get off course. And there are times I dedicate too much time to one thing and neglect the others.

The word of God states:

A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 11:1 KJV

As you think about your life, work, schedule, and all of its tasks, what areas can you improve to create a better life balance? There may be times when we need to place ourselves on a Personal Improvement Plan.

The PIP 📃

Working in corporate America there are instances that an employee has to be placed on a PIP aka Performance Improvement Plan.

In life, God wants us to examine or identify deficiencies and allow Him the opportunity to develop, mold, and shape us. We can identify this as a Personal Improvement Plan.

Let’s take a look at a few areas that we may find ourselves thinking or need improvement:

• I don’t always follow God’s lead and I get frustrated when things don’t go according to my plans.
• I want to be in control although the Lord has a road map laid out for me.
• I know if I spend more hours at work and the new business I can achieve my goals, then I can spend more time in the word of God and with family.
• I understand doing things I deem beneficial doesn’t mean that I am doing what is necessary or productive at the moment, but I’m going to do it anyway.
• When I make more money, then I will tithe and give an offering.

How do you think this line of thinking and living lines up with God’s word?

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5

Work, Life 🧬

Building a business, spending time in the word of God, maintaining a healthy relationship and family life, along with self-care can be a lot to balance.

I am literally exhausted when I try to do and figure things out for myself. I become overwhelmed and want to shut down. The Lord allows me to keep doing things my way until I surrender to Him and His will.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Roman’s 12:2

Balance ⚖

The Lord had given us a plan of action. His word, the Bible, is full of instructions on Kingdom living, having a Kingdom mindset and being in proper alignment.

You may be thinking? But… How do I get in balance with my life? I have so many needs? God doesn’t understand? Where would I even begin?

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Action Plan – Ways to Help Improve Balance:

1. Pray and acknowledge God in every area of your day and life.
2. Spend time in the word to get to know the Lord and His plan for you.
3. Plan your day. Prepare meals, schedule time with friends and alone time, etc.
4. Listen to your body, rest and treat yourself from time to time.
5. Work in accordance to the rhythm that gives your life harmony. If less work and weekend hours towards your business adventure enhances your quality of life then do that.
6. Physical activity. Get the body moving so you can have better health, operate with clarity and be able to process.
7. Journal. Write things down to disentangle your thoughts.

Ending Thoughts to Ponder 💭

Distractions will still come. Know that you are not alone. Many others are struggling or in some sort of imbalance or wrestling with discipline.

Stay on course and focused. Stop worrying. Take actionable steps to cultivate yourself and your life.

Don’t allow yourself to think more highly of yourself and get caught up with what the world and others are doing.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Life can and will have its challenges but during each season there is always something new learned and gained. Enjoy the journey and celebrate victories.

What are some things you struggle with? How do you get back to proper alignment? Share them in the comment section below.