Having great friendships that endure the test of time and distance. All things have a price. Balance is the result of solving that equation. Each person and each couple s balance will be different. From a couple s perspective, agreeing on the really important things up front helps to dictate when and where compromise is needed.
Life goals change with age, so flexibility and communications with one s partner is also important.
I ve had several mentors and coaches during my career. I ve had mentors who have called me to volunteer their time to work with me, and I ve called people whom I admire and requested that they work with me. Both approaches work. It s much easier to coach people who already have done the hard work the introspection required to determine what their goals are, and their balance points in terms of sacrifices and gains. I ve also tried hard to share the lessons I ve learned with my peer group and with others.