Today, on World Mental Health Day, it's even more important to reflect on how we can manage stress in our daily lives. A recent blog post of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization mentioned my TEDx talk of how we can explore Constant Contextual Calibration in elevating our mental health.
Entrepreneurship is exhilarating, but let’s be real—it’s also a rollercoaster. You’re handling business growth, family responsibilities, personal health, and your own ambitions, all while trying to keep a level head. It feels like walking a tightrope, and one wrong move can send everything spiraling. That idea of “life balance” has been pushed on us for ages, but let’s face it—life is too chaotic for balance to work.
That’s where constant contextual calibration comes in.
Let me tell you why this shift in perspective is so critical for your mental health.
Why Balance Fails Us
The problem with traditional ideas of balance—like the 8-8-8 schedule (eight hours work, eight hours rest, eight hours play)—is that it assumes life is predictable. We’re no longer in the Industrial Revolution; today’s world is a 24/7 hustle. Things change rapidly, and that old model doesn’t account for the curveballs that get thrown your way, whether it’s a health scare, an unexpected business crisis, or just a terrible Tuesday.
But life is dynamic. Just like an airplane’s wings constantly adjust to turbulence, your mental health and overall well-being need constant adjustments. This is where the power of constant calibration shines.
The Airplane Analogy
Think about it—an airplane’s wings are never rigid. They’re always moving, making micro-adjustments depending on the environment. It’s the same with life: You need to make small, constant tweaks to adapt. It’s not about finding perfect harmony but about staying agile.
This concept of constant contextual calibration involves three key elements:
- Constant: You’re always making adjustments.
- Contextual: What worked yesterday might not work today.
- Calibration: You fine-tune your actions and priorities.
In my own life, I focus on six key areas that I monitor and adjust daily: spirituality, intellect, money, physicality, love, and entertainment. I use the acronym SIMPLE to remind me that life doesn’t have to be complicated. I keep a journal to track how I’m doing in each area, and I make tweaks when something’s off. This approach keeps me mentally sharp and helps prevent burnout.
Real-World Example: Surviving the Storm
Several years ago, my business faced a legal battle against a much larger company. We were sinking financially, and the stress took a toll on my family life and my health. I felt like everything was falling apart, and the concept of “balance” wasn’t cutting it.
That’s when I decided to run a marathon. I know it sounds crazy—I wasn’t a runner, and this was the worst possible time to start training. But taking on that challenge allowed me to recalibrate. It helped me regain control of my physical health, which in turn lifted my mental and emotional health. It was an extreme, unconventional move, but it worked. The marathon wasn’t just about running; it was about finding a way to rise above a difficult situation by focusing on something I could control.
The key was constantly adjusting and not letting one area—like finances—drag everything else down.
The Takeaway: Keep Adjusting
You don’t need to chase balance; you need to chase calibration. Every day brings new challenges, and what matters most is your ability to adapt. Ask yourself daily: How are my “flaps” doing in these six areas? What needs adjusting today?
The beauty of this approach is that it’s fluid. Life doesn’t have to knock you off course if you keep making these small adjustments. With constant contextual calibration, you can thrive in entrepreneurship, maintain strong mental health, and still enjoy the ride.
Check out my TEDX talk on What Do Airplane Wings Teach Us About Life Balance?
Remember, we’re not tightrope walkers—we’re pilots. Let’s soar!
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