Finding Balance in the Triad of Drive

 The "Triad of Drive" refers to the three key areas of life that require our time and attention “energy” – family, profession, and self. It can be challenging to allocate enough focus to each area, but finding balance between them is critical for overall health and happiness. When one area consumes too much time, the others inevitably suffer. But when we nurture each one, we gain energy, meaning and resilience for all areas of our lives.

Why Balancing the Triad Matters

Family – Our family relationships center us with love, belonging and meaning. They teach us empathy, responsibility and important values. Making enough time for family deepens bonds across generations and provides vital social and emotional support. Family also inspires us to be role models and lead by example.

Profession – Meaningful work gives us purpose, achievement, and income. It allows us to develop expertise around topics that interest us deeply. Doing work we find fulfilling makes us more motivated and productive. It also enables us to contribute value to society.

Self – Taking care of our personal needs by getting enough rest, being reflective, nurturing relationships, learning new skills, etc. helps us manage stress, gain insights about ourselves, and become our best selves over time. Prioritizing self-care prevents burnout in other areas of life.

Neglecting any part of the triad has consequences – increased stress, frustration, exhaustion, dissatisfaction and possibly damaged relationships. But when we nurture each area sufficiently, we gain energy, meaning, resilience and resources to bring to all facets of life.

Signs of Imbalance

When one area of the triad takes up too much time and energy, signs of imbalance may include:

Family

·       Missing important events and milestones

·       Conflict and resentment from family members

·       Emotional distance from spouse and kids

Profession

·       Working excessively long hours

·       Having no energy left for family or self

·       Burnout, exhaustion, and decreased productivity

Self

·       Pouring from an empty cup

·       Health issues from poor diet, exercise and sleep habits

·       Emotional problems like loneliness, irritability, and anxiety

 

Tuning into these warning signs provides valuable feedback that something in the triad needs adjustment. Heeding these signals early can prevent bigger problems down the road.

Tips for Achieving Balance

It takes ongoing effort to maintain equilibrium among the different drives. Perfect balance every single day is unrealistic. The goal is to foster a balanced lifestyle overall through daily and weekly habits.

Incorporate Daily Practices

·       Take moments of mindfulness between tasks at work to center yourself

·       Step away from your desk to eat lunch outside or with colleagues

·       Do a daily check-in on how you feel physically and emotionally

·       Go for a walk alone or with a family member

·       Disconnect from work by a set time to transition mindsets

Schedule Predictable Family Time

·       Have consistent date nights or game nights

·       Schedule regular one-on-one time with kids

·       Protect mealtimes together

·       Book regular get-togethers with extended family

Prioritize Self-Care

·       Start and end each day with uplifting routines

·       Take time for hobbies that rejuvenate you

·       Do some form of exercise daily

·       Nurture personal relationships

·       Get enough sleep to feel rested

**Assess Frequently **

·       Each week, review how you allocated time to the triad

·       Make adjustments if one area suffered

·       Every quarter, examine priorities and commitments to maintain balance

Outsource and Delegate

·       Hire a cleaning service if home tasks are overwhelming

·       Delegate projects at work when overloaded

·       Utilize childcare help if needed

A balanced triad of drive is essential for health and wholeness. It requires lifelong commitment, but pays invaluable dividends of fulfillment across every sphere of life. What practices help you maintain equilibrium day-to-day and long-term? What is one adjustment you can make this week to better balance your triad?

I personally have been trying to balance this Triad for decades and it’s never been perfect but I at try to control the controllable and influence the variables to support a healthy life both physically and mentally.

Below is an illustration of the Triad and where I am currently now that I have made the choice to start a new chapter which influence all parts of my Triad.