Keys of a Successful Juggler
Posted: Monday, March 16, 2009
by Deborah Hall-Branch
Fruit of the Spirit Ministry
As a child I developed a great fascination for jugglers. Their magnificent ability to perform and concentrate all at the same time repeatedly drew my curiosity. Glancing back over this year's planner, I discovered my assistant had already begun to arrange my appointments. Between meeting publishing deadlines, book promotional trips, seminars, family, doctor's appointments 2009 definitely started off with a full schedule. Wondering how I'd strategically be able to fulfill each appointment without becoming overwhelmed, staring at the two soft balls on top of my desk they reminded me of the jugglers. Researching their tactics, I discovered some key points of being a productive juggler while keeping your audience content.
2. Juggle with style. Don't let the many balls overwhelm you. One day I woke up married (sounds like Eve doesn't it), later on an author, elder, mother, and the list goes on. We have two adult daughters who still daily anticipate me answering their noon day calls for great words of wisdom on solving problems with over bleached hair, the baby throwing his shoes in the trash for the third time, and antidotes for undoing overcooked pasta. Although I'm nine hundred miles away, long distance care and supervision for my eighty-three year old mother who refuses to live with me. In the midst of quick whispered prayers for help so that I can maintain style, professionalism, understanding, effectiveness in juggling, there's an email from my publisher reminding me of important deadlines. Then comes point number three.
3. Don't try to fit in all your tricks. A happy performer is an effective performer. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and He shall direct your paths."
4. The important element of your performance, involvement. If you're married, let your spouse help with some of the daily tasks. There's nothing wrong with them coming home from work and preparing dinner. Get the children more active in the performance. My youngest grandson Caleb loves to sweep the floor. We let him! Believe it or not the best audience is an audience who's allowed to participate.
5. Keep the pace of juggling going. You drop one ball, keep going. It takes more energy to start up again. Know when you've become overwhelmed. Grab a hot cup of tea, piece of fruit. It's lunch time! As an author I've found that when I'm suffering with writers block because I've become overwhelmed with another situation, walking away for a few moments starts my creativity back up again. Do whatever it takes to keep your show going.
6. Jugglers are more prosperous in groups and one person always does the most talking. Get up early enough to spend time in prayer. Seek Him for instructions and guidance. Rely on His strength. You'll need it to get you through your daily performance.
7. Audiences like to feel special. I'm the CEO of my home based business. Majority of the calls that come through my office are for me, and from those who refuses to speak with my assistant, but insist their calls be handled with specialty. Despite their rude tone, void of patience, blend into your performance the remembrance of a name, their children's birth date, or pet's name. It'll help end the call in a more delightful fulfillment for you and them.
8. End your performance at its peak. Resist the temptation of letting your family suffer the volcano erupting inside of you from the last horrific incident of your day. Go away, sit down, and exhale first. Ignore the "anger heckler." Plan your next day wisely then place the itinerary in God's hands. If He erase away some of the bullets without consulting you, give Him "Thanks."
9. After dinner and everyone is tucked neatly away, light the candles, put on some comforting music, and if you're married, pull your spouse onto the shores of romance before saying good night. A good juggler also knows how to recreate emotional security over and over again.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)I think women make better jugglers than men. I'm tired just reading your article. lolBut it does have some good advise, especially the part about trusting in the Lord and spending time in prayer.David, I'm sure my husband would agree with you one hundred percent, and I did lol. Thanks for the comment.Deborah
Juggling, on of the mosdt important aspects of todays society, what to do first, what to postpone, etc. Good job.Your right. Not to mention juggling our personal lives that they maintain seperate from everything else.Thanks for the comment.Deborah
Much wisdom in this article, sound and relevant information as well. I would be calling on you too!!Ken, thank you so much for your comment! It always blesses me to hear that word "Wisdom" related to me. I found out it's not the amount of words which we speak, but the life long effects they leave.Deborah
Very good article...may God bless you...and keep writing.....Thanks again. If you keep reading, I'll keep writing.Debo
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