At first glance, it makes sense that your personal life would affect your wallet. After all, bigger toys cost more. However, I’m not just talking about expensive hobbies.

One of the biggest costs you can have is poor personal relationships.

The cost of a divorce aside, think about the hidden costs. I’m talking about the personal problems, that are detracting from you doing your job and getting things done. Clearly, one of the most important characteristics of successful people is the ability to focus. Split mind equals split focus.

Think about the problems that Tiger Woods has been having as he rejoins the PGA. One would think that his talent would carry him through and he would rise to the top. However, it doesn’t appear to be happening that way.

Is it split focus?

Is it a lack of confidence?

Both?

I would imagine that when he started down that dark road of indiscretions, that he never dreamed that it would come to this. After all, his personal life shouldn’t have any effect on his professional life. However, in today’s environment, the lines between personal and professional lives are blurred. What affects one affects the other.

Having a balanced life is an idea that has been around for a long time, but how many of us are truly living a balanced life?

And what does that even mean to be balanced?

I believe that each of us gets to decide what “balanced” means to us. Perhaps you want to work hard for 30 years and retire to spend time with family. Others want to spend more time with their family as they go. Right or wrong this is a personal choice.

However, regardless of your sense of balance, maintaining healthy relationships can also be a wealth decision. Even if you don’t get millions in advertising dollars each year, you can think about what you can do to invest in your personal relationships today.

Who have you not connected with or what can you do to remind those you care about that they are important to you?