Three for Thursday - 3 of My Favorite Things for Your Balancing Act

There is a reality. Success requires balance.

So I’m going to try to use every Thursday this year (in place of 2011's Weekend 4Cast) as a time to share some things that will help you balance work and play. Here are three of my favorite things this week :) 

1.     NTC – Nike Training Club – An awesome (and most importantly) free application for your iPod, iPad, iPhone, or Android. I don’t like the gym – its often hard for me to allow the necessary time commitment with my schedule. If the same is true for you, this app is awesome. It has a ton of workouts on it – it has built-in videos to show you the movements – it talks to you while you are working out and gives you tips and motivation, just like a personal trainer – and you can set your playlist to go along with your workout.  Did I mention it’s free? I wanted to use it for a month before I wrote about it – I can honestly say I have never gotten results like this before. By the way, Nike didn’t pay me for this post – or give me any free stuff. I am however dressed from head to toe in swooshes. Kidding.

2.     Book and movie combinations. Is there anything more fun than reading a book and following it up by watching the movie? I don’t think so. I did it this weekend with The Nanny Diaries. Love the book – love the movie’s ending. And Scarlett Johansson. If you are in search of brain candy, enjoy a double up. It is a great way to get your nose in a book. And make sure to tell me your favorites!

3.     Google Calendar. I know, this one doesn’t sound as fun. But, I can honestly say Google Calendar is a live-saver. If you have a Gmail account, try it out.  I use it to organize, categorize, and prioritize both personal and professional events. Most importantly, it sends you text-message alerts. If you have a calendar-based program, keep using it – if you haven’t ever used an organizational calendar, I recommend this one.  

      I hope that everyone is having an amazing week! If we haven't gotten a chance to connect on social networks, I would love to get to know you better and hear your questions and ideas. Feel free to add me as a friend on Facebook or Tweet me :)