Customer Reviews

In Search of Balance: Keys to a Stable Life

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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!!

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

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.

It took me two weeks to read this book and every day I have been amazed at how it spoke to a situation in my life. This not just a book that Richard Swenson has written, it's a book he had lived. If you need simplicity and contentment in your life, this book will really help you. Not only does Richard gives you a good theoretical introduction to the topic, he gives you clear and practical pointers on how to apply it to your the concepts to your life. This is one of those precious books that you know will add real value to your life. I have already decided that it will be reread in 6 months time, hopefully I will then find the content no longer just good ideas, but rather a integral part of the way I live my life.

Thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Swenson's work "In Search of Balance". As a Christian, a researcher, coach, husband and father, balance is one of those items I have had a difficult time finding. Dr. Swenson has made it a pleasant journey with personal stories and Christian values. A wonderful book. The kind of book you should share with your over achieving husband, father, friend . . .

Dr. Swenson's focus on balance and margins in life has helped a multitude of leaders prioritize ways to develop creativity, think, rest, and trust their Creator. Most have challenging times in their career or personally. In Search of Balance gives the reader motivation to think about "Balance" and explore ways to enjoy the journey and obtain wisdom for the moment ... in the midst of complicated times. The out of control life often is the reason a person makes mistakes that bring pain to their family, friends, and personally. Why Great Men Fall, Success Kills: Sidestep the Snares that Will Steal Your Dreams

"More and more of everything faster and faster" is the phrase Dr. Swenson uses to describe life today.

Eight words that describe all aspects of our world. More and more - a rapidly increasing volume and quality and intensity. Of everything - all aspects of our life, such as technology, money, every area of knowledge, experiences, entertainment, great books we should read, quality of consumer goods. Faster and faster - the rate of change is accelerating.

Nobody reading this review needs to be told your life is out of balance. With a moment of reflection we all realize that. That we don't have a spare moment to reflect is the crux of the problem.

Instead of us just trying harder, or working smarter, or just `getting it together', he provides a series of prescriptions on how to gain equilibrium in life.

We desperately need to regain some work-life balance. He catalogs 29 reasons why we are out of balance: global economy, technology, complexity, interruptions, work hours, overtime, task switching, working from home, job churn, job insecurity, worker loyalty, commutes, sleep deprivation, changing demographics, changing family profile, children, aging parents, speed, stress, burnout, employer drivenness, the female factor, expectations, vacation, boundaries, intensity, violence, absenteeism, workers compensation. No wonder everybody is on overload at work.

Some prescriptions and how to cope?
* Rx 1 - own the problem
* Rx 2 - decline with gratitude
* Rx 3 - defend boundaries
* Rx 4 - have several gears
* Rx 5 - obey the speed limit
* Rx 6 - seek periodic technological solitude
* Rx 7 - maximize our time at work
* Rx 8 - maximize energy
* Rx 9 - get adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise
* Rx 10 - beware workaholism
* Rx 11 - investigate flextime
* Rx 12 - be productive with margin
* Rx 13 - lower expectations
* Rx 14 - delegate
* Rx 15 - protect time off
* Rx 16 - stay off the high wire
* Rx 17 - cherish the home

He also has a series of prescriptions on how to resist the pattern of the escalation in some area of our life becoming the new norm that has to be sustained, doing the math that we are just overloaded and need to admit it, and meeting a decent minimum in every area of our life.

I have several specific prescriptions I'm working on. You can find some prescriptions that will help you regain some balance.

this is a great book. everyone on the tread mill should read it. this book will make you think what you are doing to your body, soul and spirit. it will help you re-evaluate your life. also pick up a copy of the Doctor's other book "Margin"

The author has rightfully pointed out that the society are embracing progress as norm, which is not always sustainable, forcing people to give up their personal life in order to match progress. He also discussed the importance of identifying central life priorities and immersing ourselves only with activities that contribute to these priorities. Throughout the book, Richard offers practical and specific suggestions on how to live a more balanced life, many of which serve as good reminders to us.

Here are some of my favourite quotes:
- The gift of our deathbed is that everything else disappears... the only thing left standing are those that matter most
- Live your life as simple as your are, just wear those things in which you feel comfortable and don't waste money on unneccessary items.
- Function is foundational, and it stabilises balance. Fashion is not foundational, and it destabilises balance
- Instead of feeling envious [of what other people have].., perhaps try being happy for their good fortune
- Most people overestimate the repercussions of an appropriate "no"

However, there are several defects. In several occasions, author uses too many examples to explain a single concept, making it a bit redundant and lengthy. Also, his suggestions sometimes are too specific. For example, he will discuss Email, TV, Digital Pictures etc. as separate points.

But overall, this is a very decent, and occasionally inspiring, read.