Module Five: Work/Life Balance
A trusted and good friend, who leads with integrity, gave me some great advice this week. He said that if we are not careful, we will allow others to dictate our perspective and our attitude. He went on to say that we must guard our minds and our heart in order to lead ourselves and others well. For me, that means making and taking the time to regroup and to allow my spirit to reset. It includes me taking long walks, reading good books, and perhaps most importantly, stepping away for a bit from all things social media.
I am becoming more and more aware of how the constant influx of negative information transforms us from being our best to becoming our worst. Negativity is a part of life and rest assured, I do not see the world through rose-colored glasses. However, we do get to choose how we deal with all of the difficulties that we face. In a time when the balance of positive and negative seems to be tilting on the negative side, I must have a plan that helps me to walk through this mess.
For me, it means taking the time to breathe. It means protecting my mind and heart from being infected with negativity and hopelessness. It means realizing that we must be responsible for not just who we are but how we influence those around us. These are hard times that require strong leadership and perseverance. That can only be accomplished by creating the space to breathe from time to time.
Choose to be intentional about guarding your mind and your heart, and you will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
In fast-moving environments, it is easy to fall into the habit of pushing through. You respond to the next message, take on one more task, and move forward without pause. Over time, it becomes harder to step back and recover. The pace may feel productive in the moment, but without boundaries, it takes a toll.
At the Morgan County Probate Office, Work/Life Balance means leading in a way that protects your energy and keeps you focused on your values, responsibilities, and the work that matters most. When the pace picks up or pressure increases, staying grounded in your priorities helps you lead with clarity and make steady decisions.
This module offers tools to help you move from constant reactivity into a steadier rhythm. You will explore how to manage your energy, adjust your expectations, and set boundaries that protect your well-being. The goal is not to create a perfect routine. It is to stay present, act with intention, and create space for what supports your long-term focus and health, even on the busiest days. Your energy is a resource worth protecting.
“Invest in your work-life balance. Time with friends and family is as important as times at work. Getting that out of balance is a path toward unhappiness.”
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
Seasons of Life explores how leadership and energy shift through different life seasons, and how to adjust without guilt.
Leading Ourselves with Intention focuses on managing our time, attention, and energy in a way that supports our real priorities.
Know When to Speak Up covers how to set boundaries, say no with clarity, and protect what matters most.
Give Yourself a Break looks at self-compassion as a leadership strength, and how to stay grounded through setbacks and stress.
The way you spend your time, protect your energy, and make decisions shapes more than just your day—it shapes the impression you leave on others. What will your legacy say?
