The Elmer Fudd guide on how to balance travel, work, family, and life
By Jeremy Branham on Aug 08, 2011 with Comments 83
Travel confession – I am not a round the world traveler and I never will be. I like backpacking on a budget. Spending months on the road exploring the world sounds like a fabulous idea but I don’t have any plans to do it. Yet I love to travel and love to write about travel. Yet my life may be more hectic than many who travel for months at a time.
One of the most common questions I get – “how do you manage to balance all the things in your life and write as much as you do?” I write about travel, on average, 5 days a week. I also have a full time job, a wife, 2 boys ages 3 and under, and various other projects. I also volunteer my time as a counselor about once a week and have duties at home. On top of that, I spend lots of time reading, researching, and engaging others about travel.
Yet I look at my life and the chaos that it is (much of my own doing) and think to myself “if people only knew how horrible I am with my time, effort, and focus.” I could actually get a LOT more done than what I do. However, enough people have asked me how I get all of this done that I was inspired to write about it.
WARNING: Asking me to write about how to balance life and get things done is like asking Elmer Fudd to be your speech therapist. So let’s look at the Elmer Fudd approach on how to balance life, travel, work, and family.
Elmer Fudd’s guide to a balanced life
1. Don’t travel
This is one of the keys to Elmer Fudd’s guide to a balanced life. If you want to write about travel, the key is not to travel. It costs a lot of time, money, and resources. If you have a family, bonding and connecting with your family on vacation or by exploring new places is a waste of time. And if you are stressed out and need a break, read a book rather than travel. You get much more accomplished this way.
2. Be disorganized
Not knowing whether you are coming or going is a good thing. When you can’t manage your time and can’t stay focused, disorganization comes naturally. This allows for more spontaneous moods of creativity where you aren’t bound by a schedule or by planning ahead.
3. Do whatever you feel like doing
Feelings are the best guides for our lives. When we do things based on what we feel, responsibility may suffer but we know that whatever we are doing at the moment will be the thing we care most about right now. When you let feelings be your guide, I am sure you will get the bills paid, spend time with loved ones, make some money, and accomplish what you want. Feelings can’t let you down as they take into account all aspects of life and never deceive, mislead, or take you in the wrong direction.
4. Focus on success now
When you have a lot on your plate, having a lot of success now will give you time later to focus on other things in life like family, traveling, etc. When it’s possible, work so you can to make as much money as you can now. There will be time for all that other stuff later.
This is sound advice from a cartoon hunter who could never kill anything, was single and insecure, had a lisp, and couldn’t even pronounce the word ‘rabbit’.
The truth is, I can get a lot of things done but I do feel a bit like Elmer Fudd sometimes. However, there is so much more that I could do. The most important thing for balancing all that you have going on in life is your priorities. So here’s may attempt to answer the question, lie to you to make you think I have it all together, and give you sound advice that will help you (and me) lead a balanced life.
How to find balance in life (work, family, commitments, and travel)
1. Set priorities in life and stick to them
The only way to balance all that you have going on in life is by knowing what is important and in what order. When life gets messy and busy, you will be able to focus on the things that matter most even if it means sacrificing or saying ‘no’ to other things.
2. Organize your time
Once you have set your priorities, you can organize your day around your priorities. For me, the most important thing in my life is family. Most days, I get up early so I can get home from work early. When I get home, I spend time with family. At night (and sometimes during the day), I write. When life is really hectic, organize your schedule into chunks of time so that you can get things accomplished and focus on your most important priorities.
3. Make sacrifices
When you make priorities in life and organize your time, there are some things you just aren’t able to do. By knowing what is important to you, you can focus on the things that matter and sacrifice the things that don’t make your list of priorities. It’s not always easy but it is necessary.
For me, I sacrifice three things – sleep, sleep, and TV. I am sleep deprived many days (that actually goes back to #2) because I have so much I want to get done (and don’t always organize my time very well). I also sacrifice some time I could spend watching TV or going out so I can focus on the things that matter – spending time with family and writing.
4. Multitask (when you can)
If you can get two things done at the same time, do it (for me, that is often work and writing). However, never sacrifice those things at the top of your list in order to do something else that is a much lower priority. Why? The most important thing will not be done at your best. Basic rule of thumb – multitask on things that focus on tasks, not relationships.
5. Never neglect relationships
No matter how much you have to get done, always evaluate the things you do by how it affects other people. If you become so focused on work, activities, or schedules that it affects the relationships that matter most in your life, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities. If you have people in your life that matter (and for many, relationships are the top priority), make sure that other things don’t allow you to neglect those people. For me, the time I spend with my family when I get home is the most important part of my day.
6. Travel
Travel is important for many reasons. Travel gives you time to connect with the people you care about. You don’t have to go far to enjoy new places, adventures, or bonding time with loved ones. Refresh your mind, change your perspective, learn something new, and make a difference in the world. The lives that are changed the most through your travels might be your own.
Do I do all of these things? Yes and no. At times, I have focused my life in such a way that I’ve been able to accomplish things and make the people in my life the most important thing. Other times, I fail miserably.
What’s my best advice for a balanced life? No matter what you seek to accomplish in life, it is the people in your life that matter most. When all else fails, remember that and your life will be balanced, give you purpose, and fill you with joy!
Elmer Fudd (Flickr)
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Filed Under: Featured • Traveling Thoughts
I'm Jeremy Branham and I love to travel. Check out my travel stories, guides, sports travels, and adventures.
I really like to think I put all the relationships in my life first but, when we returned from our last long trip, my daughter informed me that my grandson was asking why he couldn’t go to Mimi’s house?? The guilt!!!!!
Jan Ross recently posted..Two + Years of Traveling the World
That has to be hard to hear coming from a grandchild. Have you ever had the chance to take him with you on a trip?
A great list. I like your basic rule of thumb – multitask about things that focus on tasks, not relationships. I completely agree! There’s no substitute to good relationships.
Jordan recently posted..Happy Birthday, Rob: An Homage to Our President
Most of us always say relationships are the most important thing. It’s important to stop and take a look at our lives every once in a while to make sure we are really living that way.
Creative list – I wonder how you do it all too
eileen ludwig recently posted..Where in the World am I? August 3
Creative list – I am one of those that wonders how you do it all
eileen ludwig recently posted..Post Title Secrets WordPress Plugins can Help
Great advice, Jeremy. I like your Elmer Fudd spin on it
Actually, I was wondering how you do it! You write more frequently than I do, but have a wife and kids too… I know that I feel like I squeeze every minute out of the day in order to keep up my blog, do my “real” job, take classes, have a social life, etc. etc.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Happy One-Year Anniversary, StruxTravel!
The key for me is sleep deprivation! I wish I could say I follow the advice I give all the time but many times I am more like Elmer Fudd!
I think never forget your relationships is a great tip! While traveling, your relationships help you out so much on the road… and you always need them for when you return!
Kelly recently posted..Top 3 Backpacker Games
Relationships, in my opinion, should always be the top priority. In the end, all the rest will fade away. So hopefully balance in like makes people most important.
Great advice in your last paragraph.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Campo in the City
Great post. I especially like #6 about not having to go far to have an adventure. I probably would not have agreed with this a decade ago, but now that I am older, I have changed my tune.
Claire recently posted..Misery and Illness Love Company
Yes, agree. I am like you and might not have believed that years ago. But I see things differently now and don’t think you need to go far to travel!
Very interesting take on an issue I feel that I fail at, sometimes. The elusive balance is important but to keep balance it is important to know yourself and how far you can push it. I don’t do sleep deprivation very well. Never have and, at this point in my life, I don’t think I ever will.
Thanks for making us all think about our balance and what is important to us!
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Bridging Europe
Just because I do get by on little sleep at times, doesn’t mean I do it well. Probably why I have been sick so much in the last year! I need to follow my own advice and really focus on balance more – especially the organization part.
Are there any of these that you do well?
a key for me is to not get hooked on crappy reality television shows!
great post. like what you said about relationships.
jamie – cloud people adventures recently posted..Iconic Melbourne – and some Fluro Animals
I did always wonder how you keep up since everywhere I turn (read: every blog post I read), you’ve left a comment and yet you’re able to keep up in social media, maintain a continuous flow of posts and host the “where in the world am I” posts as well! You deserve a big hats off.
I also agree with the sacrifice that you have to make. I too found that since we started blogging, I’ve had to sacrifice my TV time just so I can spend time catching up on other bloggers’ posts, social media and write my own post.
Your post today is also a great reminder of how relationships and priorities are important! It’s always good to be reminded from time to time. Thanks Jeremy!
Thanks Shirlene. I do take my breaks as well and am not always active. Again, I could do a lot more and am fortunate to be in the situations I am in to be able to do what I do. However, there are lots of areas I could improve.
Sacrifice is a key in getting things done. It’s about evaluating what is most important and being willing to do those things at the expense of others. Just as long as it isn’t important people!
Maybe I should have followed more of your advice!! If you want to write about travel, don’t travel!! There’s the excuse for my absence lately – travelling to so many wonderful places! Look forward to catching up with your writings!! Cheers
John in France recently posted..Summer in Europe
Well it was a bit tongue in cheek, it is true! Any time you are busy with anything, you have less time to do other things right? However, travel is one of those things that should be a higher priority than writing about travel so explore!
Great list, and I really liked your point about emphasizing the people in your life and remembering that you don’t have to go far to travel.
Laurel recently posted..Hiking in Sunshine Meadows
Thanks Laurel. I think most of us put people at the top of the list but it’s good to take inventory every once in a while to see if what we are doing and how we live line up with our priorities.
Jenna recently posted..Summer Travel in California: Navigating the options
You are absolutely correct. In my original list for this post, I had in there “Find a loving, supporting, and sacrificing spouse or partner” but since that wasn’t going to apply for many people, I left it out. However, you do understand the sacrifice part! We both just have to sacrifice different things!
Funny! Time management and organisation are such challenges for me!
robin recently posted..Verano
I’ve read your posts. I realize you struggle with it as well!
Time management, I still need to learn how to do that!
Ayngelina recently posted..How to get attacked by a polar bear
That’s OK – I am working on more than just one!
The best of both worlds… maintaining your most important relationship while traveling by seeing the world with your partner!
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..Awesome Adventures – Northern Lights Edition
Agreed – taking your partner with you is awesome! However, throw 2 kids, a full time job, and other projects and opportunities and it gets a little messy! I have much more need for balance than I did before! Oh how I remember those days!!
Great tips! Love the title =)
Andrea recently posted..Ireland’s Beer Beyond Guinness
Brilliant/clever in the beginning, hits home in the end. I’m currently trying to figure this all out myself! A full-time job, a side business, two crazy dogs… plus travel and blogging. And a budding relationship with someone who travels as much as I do. I know it will all work out, but it hasn’t been easy!! Thanks for this!
Abbby recently posted..Grand Canyon Ranch
Thanks Abby! That was exactly the approach I was going for (not sure how much it hit home – I am still trying to follow my own advice)! Indeed, it takes a lot to put all this together. It’s work and it’s sacrifice but enjoying the ride. You have a lot on your plate as well so just make sure to keep things in balance!
Thanks for sharing your tips. I’m having a hard enough time balancing a near-fulltime job with the blog and a relationship. Being sleep-deprived drives me nuts, so that’s one sacrifice I can’t make. #5 is very important, though… definitely make time for friends and family!
Btw, my latest blog post is for you… this time, I have photographic evidence of my bighorn sheep sighting
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Stalking Bighorn Sheep in Badlands National Park
Yep, it’s a lot of work and sacrifice. To be fair, my life is pretty routine and I am not trying to win the heart of someone. If this was 7 years ago, I would have ZERO time for this. I am busy as it is but years ago, in your situation, would have been impossible.
I will definitely have to check out the sheep – but then again you could have stolen the photo from someone else!
Great list Jeremy — I was wondering how you do it all as well. I currently have no job and find it hard to post 4 times a week…lol…
You are awesome Jeremy!!I really can’t imagine how you manage your time with all those stuff…It is not easy to write and at the same time you are full-time worker and have kids…Excellent!!
Robin recently posted..Want to bring out the color of your arowana with tanning lights?
Thanks Robin. As I stated, I get a lot done with little sleep (although I am trying to get better at that these days!).
This is so true, Jeremy… and the tips you have here are relevant for a lot of situations! I’m constantly re-evaluating things after realizing that my priorities are perhaps not totally in line with what I need.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Camden Lock on the Regent’s Canal
I think I should read my own post every day to follow these tips to make sure I am balanced! I need some of my own advice as well
You should start doing a webinar for this Jeremy. I have a hard time managing – well time! Especially during the summer where the great weather becomes such a distraction.
Oh and I like your use of Elmer Fudd on this article =)
Grace recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Blast from the Travel Past
Ha! Thanks for the encouragement Grace but I don’t do this well enough to be offering people advice yet!
Great article! I really love the statement you made on number 6. Very wise.
Bob Crunch recently posted..Bluegreen Communities and Operation FINALLY HOME
I think the best wisdom comes from the experience of failure. So any wisdom you got from this, you know where it came from!
I hate to admit it, but I need reminding regularly to focus on the relationships in my life and to “stop and smell the roses”. Work could literally fill every minute of every day if I let it (and I often do). Thanks for the reminder.
Gray recently posted..A Funny Thing Happened On My Way To The Crystal Palace….
I wrote this as a reminder to me to try and live it out. I need more balance to my life. Part confession, part conviction!
I sacrifice TV. I hardly watch it, except for The Office.
adventureswithben recently posted..New Orleans Mardi Gras Sign Spotting: No Bathroom in Garage
Personally, I think the sacrifice of TV is one of the best sacrifices you can make. That’s my personal opinion. Life can be so much better and you can accomplish so much more by doing it. Granted, we all need our downtime and a chance to relax but lots of TV is a waste of time for me.
hahahaha. a very entertaining post!
im still amazed how people like you can manage to do all these without going bonkers!
AMEN to #6
I am actually taking more of my own advice and trying to be a bit more balanced these days!
i like your philosophy on doing what you feel. i kow, it should be within reason, but i think too many of us deprive ourselves of getting what we want because of our (often self imposed) obligations. what you want to do right now really is very important, and that’s all that matters.
Mack Reynolds recently posted..Have some Facebook friends or family members who are in need of a vacation? Send…
This past week I have been trying to put all of this into practice!!
i know, easier said than done, right.
Good read, Jeremy. Lately, I have started writing down my goals and levels of success, that way when I met a goal or level, I feel a sense of fulfillment. Budgeting my time on travel blog vs. actually traveling vs. work vs. relationships has been difficult yet so rewarding. I feel the purpose on a day to day basis and I like that.
Jade recently posted..The Island is a Prison: Resorts of Pohnpei
Thanks Jade. I find it hard to maintain a balance but am definitely working on that more. As I try to figure out this balance with work, travel, family, relationships, etc, it’s going to be a work in progress to figure out this balance.
You seem so organized and balanced it’s hard to believe you travel too!
Lusso Bags recently posted..Ask Lusso – Must Have iPad Apps While Traveling
If you only knew!! HA! I am not organized and do struggle with balance so both are things I need to work on. While it may be sound advice, it’s also a reminder to myself to take my own advice (which I am trying to do more of lately).
Good to know you’re human too
Lusso Bags recently posted..Insider Tips–Philly and New Jersey
Thanks for sharing your nice feelings with us. I also love to travel new area because this helps a lot to remove the obstinacy from life. I really became amazed getting know,,, being a full time service holder how you can write five days in a week. Moreover, you have your family to give them time too.
However, this will help to inspire us.
Emdadul Huq Khan recently posted..How to get rid of tinnitus
I admire people who has job by traveling but still manage to have time with their family.. You have a very inspiratonal article.. I admire your thoughts..
Elmer fudd’s guide to a balanced life is an extremely educative and simply awesome. It taught us how to travel with enough budget and to spend quality time with our family. As I had read this post I feel that I wasn’t that good when it comes in organizing and fixing things. I gotta have to learn a lot of things.
Love these tips from Elmer Fudd. I love #1 and #6.
Life is a balance. Everything in moderation.
Have fun!
InsideJourneys recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday – Harlem
I think that is the key – moderation. If everything is in moderation, then balance comes a bit easier. It’s just making sure we have our priorities straight and make sure our time reflects those priorities. Sometimes, that’s easier said than done.
“Never neglect a relationship.” — This is very important, especially when we get so caught up with whatever’s going on in our lives. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll call my folks now.
Hi Jeremy,
Great blog post about the balance in life with with work, travel, family and life! Its important to have that balance in life, but to actually achieve it is another matter
Gosh you have a lot to fit into one week…with work, your blog and your family! We are about to start our journey of travelling around Australia so its going to be interesting to see if we can keep blogging and travelling full time plus homeschooling!
Cheers
Lisa
Lisa Wood recently posted..Your Bucket List
Good luck on your efforts! Sorry I am a little late getting back to you but interested to know how you are able to do all of these things. Balance can be tough but prioritize your life and just make sure you spend the most time with your top priorities!
Jeremy, I didn’t realize you managed so many things all at once with your job, family, blog, etc. I’ve even found it difficult transitioning back to a full-time job now and maintaining my blog. I think your point about having clear priorities is really the key to making it all work somehow.
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Working Overseas | Interview with Wandering Earl
Thanks for the comments Samuel. I have to admit I am not always the best at balancing. Sure, I can get a lot done but at what cost? I realize now how important sleep is and for the last couple of years I have gotten a lot accomplished with a lack of sleep. However, balance is definitely key – and that includes sleep, healthy lifestyle, job, family, fun, and travel. You can consider this post a work in progress.
Jeremy,
And lots of great tips here. Honestly, I don’t know if I would be able to balance a family with work and then dedicated blogging on top of it. Regardless of the method, you got skills!!
Love the theme of this post
Phil recently posted..Sound Memories
Thanks Phil. I try but don’t always do it well. This post was as much about conviction as it was confession.
Loved the points you make Jeremy. I’m not a full time traveller either, but have had a lifetime travelling. We balanced travel, home and mortgage, raising kids, running a business. But even with kids in nappies we travelled around NZ in a towing a cheap caravan. It can be done. Prudence, patience,planning, prioritising and the world can be travelled, the bills can be paid , and the kids raised.
Jim recently posted..There ain’t no mistakes – just steep learning curves.
I have to admit Jim that traveling with kids 3 and under is tough. As they get older it will be easier but it’s not the same as before they were born. I need to work on some of those P’s that you mentioned!
I think I sacrificed TV, my old weekly shopping habit, and weekly high-budge meals to save time and money for schools, relationship, and travel ^_^ But sacrifices are easier to make once you know what your priorities are.
Annie – FootTracker recently posted..Japan (16)Shiojiri, Nagano~Taking a Walk
TV, shopping, and eating out are good things to sacrifice. I have sacrificed those as well although the shopping one was not one I struggled with.
How we spend our time is the best measure of what is important in our lives! And the sacrifices are worth it!
Fantastic article Jeremy! I too am having huge problems with juggling life, work and travel (together with blogging). It’s kinda hard when your work is more demanding than anything else. Though I really do enjoy blogging!
Amer @TendToTravel recently posted..The beautiful coast of Terengganu
I completely agree. Work has been very demanding for me lately so it is hard to maintain that balance. The most important thing to me for balance is setting my priorities and make sure the time I spend reflects those priorities. If it doesn’t my life is out of balance.
I love the blogging as well but wish I had more hours in a day!
Very thoughtful and entertaining post. Nice to meet another budget family travel blogger, especially a dad doing the blogging. Looking forward to reading lots more great stuff here.
Jessica recently posted..What You Talkin Bout Willis~Tips for Visiting the Sears Tower with Kids
Thanks Jessica. Much of this was written as a reminder to myself and be accountable to what I believe.
As for the dad thing, yes we are rare but we are out there.
Like the title of your blog but what are you going to do when your kids no longer need sippy cups?
Hey Jeremy,
I can really relate well to this article. Having backpacked for nearly two consecutive years I’m finding it difficult to transition back to a working routine. On top of that I’m quite serious about my blog and I’m often finding myself putting in 80 to 100 hours of work a week (between the two) when just a few months ago I had no such commitments.
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Smiles of Thailand | Photo Essay | Part 1
Samuel, I know exactly what you mean about the 80 to 100 hour thing. I was doing that on some weeks as well and with a family, that is really tough. I have lost many hours of sleep working on this stuff. However, it’s good to have balance. It does take a lot of work especially when this isn’t a full time job. However, it’s all about priorities and making sure the time you spend reflects what is most important.
What I love about this most of all Jeremy is that it’s so stubbornly contradictory… and human! Your commitment is pretty damn awe-inspiring I have to say. Love the fact you put family first too.
Jools Stone recently posted..Strangers on a Canadian Train
Thanks Jools! Appreciate the kind words. One thing I like to do is be honest and vulnerable. The most important thing about this post is that it is a reminder to me to live what I believe. I wrote this because I don’t always balance my life very well.
[...] Sometimes trips don’t go as planned. However, it doesn’t mean that I didn’t have some great travel memories this year. I rarely get to go to as many places as I would like. With a job, family, and my travel blog and projects, I do the best I can to maintain a balanced life. [...]