How to Juggle Priorities
A lesson from Nora Roberts
Back in the summer, I came across a really powerful Twitter thread by the author Jennifer Barnes, discussing an insightful Q&A session with the famous author Nora Roberts. Some of you may have seen it already as I’m pretty sure it went viral! The conversation focussed on how Nora Roberts successfully balanced her writing career with the responsibilities of raising a family – Now this is something that as a Mum myself I know is a constant thought in my head, and I also know it is at the forefront of all my friends and clients’ minds most weeks.
Nora has a brilliant analogy regarding life's priorities, comparing them to juggling balls of different materials: plastic and glass. This metaphor offers an inspired, yet easy to grasp perspective on the art of prioritising:
1. The Plastic and Glass Balls Metaphor:
Nora Roberts compared life's numerous responsibilities to juggling balls, each made of either plastic or glass.
The essence lies in distinguishing between them: plastic balls, when dropped, bounce harmlessly; whilst glass balls shatter upon impact.
This imagery beautifully and simply demonstrates the challenge of managing multiple priorities.
2. Beyond Work and Family:
However, Nora's wisdom extends beyond the conventional 2 dimensional work/life balance conversation. She wasn't talking about juggling just a few balls; it was more like juggling fifty-five! Ring a bell to anyone?! Yes exactly! So these 55 balls symbolise every factor of our lives, from family and work to personal pursuits, hobbies, and commitments. Nora's insight is that these spheres of life aren't binary; within each, there are varying degrees of significance.
3. The Subtlety of Relationships and Consequences:
Determining which balls are glass and which are plastic requires a subtle delicate approach. Two key factors come into play:
Relationships: Our lives are a web of relationships, ranging from the closest bonds to simple acquaintances. Some are like glass, while others are more resilient, like plastic. Not all relationships carry equal weight. Prioritisation should align with the nature and depth of these connections.
Consequences: Deliberate decision-making considers consequences. Before dropping a ball, consider whether the outcome will affect a relationship or your life in a significant way. It's crucial to distinguish between imagined and real consequences. Often, our fears magnify potential repercussions.
Ask yourself: "Will this action break something significant?" and "Can I live with the consequences?"
4. Embrace the Idea of Temporary Drops:
Accepting that not all balls can stay in the air simultaneously is truly liberating. Sometimes, you need to intentionally drop a plastic ball to catch a glass one. This doesn't imply permanence. You can pick up the plastic balls when the circumstances are right.
In essence, every "no" can be a "not now."
5. Letting Go of Unnecessary Commitments:
There are balls in our juggling act that we maintain out of habit or obligation. Maybe one springs to mind for you right now as you are reading this… These might include commitments, relationships, hobbies, or habits that have lost their relevance or joy. It's essential to recognize these and drop them altogether to create space for what truly matters.
6. Focus on the Glass Balls:
In the grand juggling act of life, focusing on the glass balls is paramount. Period. These are the elements that genuinely matter, the non-negotiables.
The plastic balls represent the "nice-to-haves" or "nice-to-dos." If you drop a plastic ball, it's not the end of the world. Remember, you can't please everyone all the time.
Nora Roberts' insightful metaphor encourages us to be very intentional about what we choose to juggle and what we let go of. By recognizing the glass balls, we ensure that the most crucial aspects of our lives remain intact. So, as you navigate your daily juggling act, focus on those glass balls and DO let the plastic ones bounce when needed!
To work with me on deciphering which of your priorities are glass and plastic, book call below:
